The botanical name of Mullai is Jasminum auriculatum (Vahle.); it belongs to the family Oleaceae, and it is a commercial flower
Varieties: CO 1 and CO 2.
Soil and climate: Well drained red and sandy loam soils under tropical conditions are suitable.
Season of planting: June to November.
Propagation and planting: Layers or rooted cuttings are planted in 30 cm x 30 cm x 30 cm pits dug at 1.5 x 1.5 m spacing to accomodate 4400 plants per ha.
Manuring: 120:240:120 g NPK/plant applied in six split doses at bimonthly intervals, the first dose being given immediately after pruning.
Pruning: The bushes are pruned to 45 cm height from ground level during the last week of January.
Plant protection against Pests
Bud worm: Spray monocrotophos 36 WSC 2 ml/lit.
Red spider mites: Spray wettable sulphur 50 WP 2 g/lit.
Leaf eating caterpillar: Spray endosulfan 35 EC 2 ml/lit.
Season of flowering and harvest: May to November. Fully developed unopened flower buds should be picked in the morning.
Yield: 10,000 kg of flower buds/ha.
