Because there are numerous clones available in New Zealand, before planting a specific clone, it should be analysed to check for suitable oil content, chemical composition, ease of harvest and other agronomic features. Plants for field establishment should be small and not root-bound. If left too long in their pots, roots fail to spread when planted into the field and although tops may grow well in the first year, the plants are top heavy and appear more prone to disease. Ideally planting is done into friable well cultivated soil in spring when plants will benefit from the flush of growth. Seedlings planted from 5 cm tubes in spring should reach 25-30 cm high and across by the following spring when flowers can be harvested.
All planting is done by hand directly into the soil or through black polythene or weed matting.
Rooting is very shallow and cultivation is damaging and allows entry of pathogens. Where no artificial mulches are used, a layer of bark chips is recommended to maintain moisture, stop weeds and cool the root zone of the soil. Fertiliser is required but no research as to best formulations or quantities has been done. As flowering occurs on new growth, heavy yields require adequate extension growth so applications immediately after flowering and pruning are ideal. The majority of weeding is done by hand but chemicals such as preeglone, paraquat and diquat are safe desiccants.