Our most frequently asked questions about Vetiver,

 Do you have one of your own?

 Feel free to ask your unique question!...

 Where does Vetiver grass originate?

 It is a native plant of southern India. 

What is the difference between the two sizes of Vetiver?

The smaller bio bag Vetiver plants are easier to install with a Rapid Planter auger attached to a rechargeable drill (also less freight cost). 

The much larger Pb5 Vetiver plants establish quickly and are more robust during establishment. 

 Is Vetiver invasive?

 No. Vetiver does not seed, sucker, or flower in any manner. It does not send out rhizomes or stolons. It is completely non-invasive. 

Is the Vetiver nursery bio secure

Yes, our enclosed purpose made facility not only grows bigger stronger plants but is also bio secure. We know you do not want new weeds and or diseases. Beware of the cowboys growing plants outdoors.       

Is it important that the plant is delivered at the correct growth stage?

 Yes this is very important.  Vetiver will not establish correctly if the potting mix falls off the roots when the bag is removed. But much worse if the roots over grow and bind/weld Vetiver will not establish correctly.  Vetiver roots grow very quickly. At Vetiver nurseries we take extreme care to deliver the plant at the perfect stage.     

 How big does the plant grow?

Vetiver grows up to 1.5 metres high and 650mm wide at the base. Vetiver grows to a depth of 4-6 metres. The roots do not grow wider than the plant itself.

Will cattle eat Vetiver grass?

Yes. Cattle will eat the new shoots. In some countries Vetiver is grown as stock food. It is recommended to fence off new plants for 3 months, allowing the plants to firmly anchor in the ground.

Do I need to water the Vetiver once planted?

No. As long as you follow the recommended instructions especially placing in nitrosol water until saturated prior to planting. Pb3l Vetiver will not usually require any further watering unless it is a dry season.  The smaller Bio bag plants usually require establishment irrigation if it is dry.

How do I maintain Vetiver?

Once planted Vetiver needs little but important maintenance. An annual side dressing of blood and bone and a cut back to knee high in the spring if the plants are accessible. Some of our clients have used a regime of folia fertilising with 'Nitrosol' to encourage growth.

How can one plant be so effective for multiple environmental solutions?

It seems that humans by default like to throw man made solutions at man made problems. I beleive the only true way forward is to allow nature to repair and protect itself.

I am constantly amazed by this plant, the more I learn the more interested I become.

Vetiver may be the most researched and proven grass in the world.  There is no shortage of information online, especially at www.vetiver.org (a non profit Vetiver information website). Demonstrations and references are available at Vetiver Nurseries.  

Are there other plants like Vetiver?

No other plant has these qualities for this purpose.

Are Vetiver plants Genetically Modified?

No. Vetiver grass(Chrysopogon zinaniodes) is the same plant it was hundreds of years ago. Not modified at all.

Are the plants grown with artificial fertilizer or sprays?  

No. From start to finish our Vetiver plants are organic. 

Will Vetiver be compatible to a warming climate.I

 Yes. Vetiver is a tough tropical grass that prefers temperatures from 10-50 degrees celcius. It is extremely drought tolerant (thanks to the deep roots) and may be the last plant standing in an extreme weather event. 

TESTIMONIALS from successful plantings.

'Following the recommended planting instructions, my clients are amazed at how effective the Vetiver System holds newly formed driveways in a short time. Even without rain, the Vetiver has achieved excellent growth'

Richard Campbell-P.C. Excavators, Coromandel

'Hundreds of Vetiver were planted directly into hard clay soils that could have required man-made retaining walls at a huge cost. The plants are thriving, making our driveway and coastal land not only secure, but green!'

V & R Owen, The Bay of Islands