Adding kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) to your backyard is one of the best wellness decisions you can ever make.
This novelty herb, which is originally from Southeast Asia, has long been used to alleviate pain. Extracts from the plant have also demonstrated efficacy against stress, anxiety, and depression.
Moreover, some people administer kratom for inflammation. Certain alkaloids in the herb treat inflammation by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory markers like cytokines and chemokines.
Fatigue, inappetence, and reduced mental concentration are other common medical issues that kratom may relieve.
The cherry on the cake is that kratom is relatively hardy. This plant can thrive perfectly in most backyards, provided that you implement the ideal growing conditions.
Below is a guide to growing and harvesting kratom at home.
- Determine If It’s Legal
Although kratom boasts numerous science-backed health benefits, access to the herb is restricted in certain jurisdictions due to its stimulant properties. Therefore, it’s imperative to establish that you can legally cultivate the plant in your jurisdiction.
Kratom legal in Canada provided that it’s not sold as a health and dietary product. Fortunately, these laws generally apply to kratom traders, not consumers or growers.
Health Canada is the primary federal department that regulates kratom in Canada. However, there’s almost no mention of kratom in Health Canada’s website, with respect to cultivation.
- Understand The Climatic Conditions in Kratom’s Native Range
Photo Credit: AdobeStock.com Mitragyna speciosa is nPhoto Credit: AdobeStock.com Photo Credit: AdobeStock.com ative to the lush, tropical forests of Southeast Asia. The herb is widespread throughout all countries in the region, including Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.
If planning to grow kratom at home, you’ll need to mimic the conditions in its natural habitat to ensure a bumper harvest. The good news is that the herb is quite resilient and can adapt to diverse climates, even non-tropical ones.
- Pick Between Seeds and Clones
Growing kratom from clones allows you to preserve the tree’s genetic properties. This option also lets you skip the germination phase, which often requires intensive care.
However, kratom is notoriously difficult to propagate. Besides, clones may preserve undesirable traits, including genetic diseases. Those limitations make seeds the better option.
- Obtain High-Quality Seeds
The quality of kratom seeds impacts their viability. Therefore, due diligence is necessary when shopping for kratom seeds.
Only purchase kratom seeds from established kratom vendors. Be sure to also look out for any visible signs of defect, such as squashing and discoloration.
- Plant More Seeds For Higher Germination Success
Kratom seeds have a relatively low germination rate. The only way to improve the chances of getting viable seedlings is to plant the seeds en masse.
To germinate kratom, place several seeds in a moistened pot that’s filled with peat moss. Seal the pot and place it inside a plastic bag, then transfer the set-up to a cool place, out of direct sunlight.
Check the seeds occasionally, keeping the set-up moist enough until germination.
When the seeds develop the initial shoot and root system, transfer them to a pot or a permanent growing medium.
- Feed and Nurture Your Plants
Kratom may be relatively hardy, but it requires hands-on care to grow into mature plants.
After transferring kratom seedlings to their growing medium, it’s time to establish the ideal growing conditions. Strive to mimic the tree’s natural habitat as much as possible.
Soil and pH
Kratom prefers rich, well-draining soils with a pH range of 5.5 – 6.5.
Maintaining slightly acidic conditions is necessary for the tree to develop powerful alkaloids.
Feeding and Watering
Kratom plants are heavy feeders. They prefer fertile soils with plenty of macro and micro nutrients. So, prepare yourself for occasional feeding.
When looking for the right kratom fertilizer, insist on those higher in nitrogen and moderate in the two other macronutrients – potassium and phosphorus.
As for watering, the thumb rule is to water the plants when the top inch soil feels dry. Overwatering may cause root rot while underwatering could result in wilting.
Temperature and Humidity
Mitragyna speciosa thrives in warmer temperatures. Aim for conditions between 75-85°F (24-29°C).
If growing kratom indoors, you can maintain the ideal temperature using fans and space heaters.
Kratom prefers higher relative humidity between 70% and 90%. The combination of favorable temperature and humidity is also critical to healthy alkaloid development.
Pruning and Pest Control
Kratom is naturally tall but less bushy. The tree can grow up to 100 feet (30.5 meters) tall in its natural habitat.
While the leaves can be up to 5.5 – 7.9 inches long and 2.8 – 4.7 inches wide, the tree doesn’t produce a wide canopy. So, you may never need to prune your kratom plants, except to remove visibly diseased branches.
Kratom doesn’t attract many pests either. But if invasions occur, they’re usually from aphids. The best way to control such pests is using natural remedies like applying neem oil.
Harvesting Kratom
Kratom is a slow grower. The tree can take anywhere from two to ten years before it’s ready for harvesting.
When harvesting kratom, begin by plucking mature leaves located in the lower branches. Such leaves have a higher potency of alkaloid compounds.
You can now prepare the leaves into your desired formulation and enjoy kratom’s healing properties.
Summary
Growing kratom at home provides immediate access to the herb’s medicinal properties as you also put your gardening skills to the test.
Feel free to bookmark this article for reference whenever you’ll be looking for tips on how to cultivate one of nature’s most therapeutic plants.
