A guide for growing Khat

Khat is an evergreen, slow-growing shrub found mainly in the tropical regions of East Africa and Arabian Peninsula. The tree may reach up to a height of 1.5 meters to 20 meters depending on the amount of rainfall and the type of soil. The Khat tree produces flowers that grow on small auxiliary cymes 4 to 8 centimeters long. The flowers are small with five white petals. The tree also produces a fruit in a three-valved capsule enclosing 1 to 3 seeds.

The plant contains an alkaloid called cathinone which is an amphetamine-like stimulant that causes excitement, loss of appetite and euphoria. In 1980, the World Health Organization declared Khat as a ‘drug of abuse’ that has the ability to produce mild to moderate psychological dependence. Khat is legal in some countries like UK and Yemen, while in some countries, it is illegal to produce, sell and consume this leafy narcotic.

Conditions favorable for Khat

Khat grows well in arid environments and once it is fully established, it can grow in the full sun at a temperature range of 5 to 35 degree C. The plant usually cannot tolerate frosts and overwatering may cause the leaves to droop and even rot. Khat requires a lot of water and ground water is pumped from deep wells to irrigate the crops. A good amount of water is required for Khat cultivation and the plant can be cultivated four times a year. In many areas, Khat is often grown with coffee plants.

How to grow Khat from seed

Here is a guide to help you know the right ways to grow Khat all by yourself:

-         It is best to plant the seeds in either horticultural sand, cactus compost, vermiculite or a mixture of all three media. It is very important to keep the media free from drainage as Khat seeds are prone to damage from fungus. Plant the seeds in the pot about 5 mm deep and keep the surface away from direct sunlight. You have to spray water to the surface whenever the surface is dry. Once the seedlings are 5 to 10 centimeters tall, shift them to individual pots.

-         When you are making the potting mix, blend house-plant compost and Perlite because Perlite provides good drainage.

-         If you want to grow Khat from a cutting, then cut a 5 to 20cm length straightforward from the tip of the branch. The cutting should be done on the current year’s growth.

-         You may need to provide support to the khat plant as the young plants are often heavy at the top than stems and tend to bend.