Try to replicate the conditions of high altitude Ethiopia !
I have had great difficulty growing Khat from seed, however once you have a
plant growing it is easy to take cuttings.
Catha edulis is adapted to a wide range of soil conditions (near Harar, where
most of the Khat is grown, the soil is said to be neutral to slightly
acidic despite being high in calcium and low in nitrogen) - it is suggested
that water supply is more important than soil type, particularly in the early
growing period.
Catha edulis does not tolerate poor drainage and will not grow well in wet
soils.
It will grow in full sun, partial sun, or even shade.
In Ethiopia Khat is not grown from seed, but is vegetatively propagated from
12" suckers or branches near the ground level, and sometimes by cuttings taken
from branches (although these do not root so readily).
Plants are set out when the rainy season begins.
The top parts will be cut back by frost but Khat plants will grow back from the
roots - unless they are frozen too.
Catha edulis is adapted to a wide range of soil conditions, ranging from
light, sandy to heavy black. Water supply, however, seems to be more
important than soil type, particularly in the early growing period.
The entire area of Alemaya, Combolcha, Harar and the eastern extremity of
the Chercher Highlands is hilly, and erosion is severe, so chat is grown on
the hillsides, which are usually terraced, while lower lands are devoted to
sorghum, corn, vegetables and grazing.
Granite is the prevailing parent material, along with limestone and
sandstone. The soils are red or reddish-brown, neutral to slightly acidic,
and high in calcium and low in nitrogen. A good response in plant growth is
realised from fertiliser applications. Nitrogen applications increase the
vegetative growth of chat, and thus increase the yield.
Chat can be grown in dry areas provided there is irrigation, but it does not
tolerate poor drainage and does not do well in wet soils.
Sorghum, corn and sweet potatoes are generally intercropped with chat; this
is possible as the chat trees are so spaced that they leave much area
between plants. The preparation of the seed bed for intercropping is in a
sense a cultivation of the chat field, so the chat benefits.
