GERANIUM EGYPT EO

Growing in temperate regions, geranium oil is mainly produced in Egypt with approximately 300 tons per year, followed by China (35 tons/year). Concerning the Bourbon variety, it's mainly produced in Madagascar (15 tons/year) and in Reunion Island to support this iconic and fragile supply chain (less than 1 ton per year).

Different factors influence the scent profile of geranium - production country, the temperature variations between days and seasons (more significant the variations, the less pronounced perfume) and also the harvest periods (at the crop’s beginning, the scent is greener with a plant richer in geraniol, while the later geraniums deliver a rosy smell with a higher citronellol composition).

The plant is propagated by cuttings, it is cut manually, stem to stem and rid of its dead leaves. Only the buds are left in place. The plant takes root in the nursery and is replanted at a depth of 20 cm allowing sufficient space for the plants to broaden out.

Geranium is usually intercropped with garlic, allowing the herbaceous plant to benefit from its repulsive properties.

Egypt

In Egypt, Geranium is planted south of Cairo (98% of production), in Beni Sueff, a large farming region located south of Cairo on the Nile's right riverbank.
In the North, on the Nile Delta, it is planted as a semi-perennial (for up to 3 years), allowing a second harvest period from October-November.
It is uprooted with the harvest, only leaving sufficient acreage as nursery material for replanting in October.
Many small farmers transform the leaves to geranium oil in local distilleries (about 60 distilleries, 5 tons per distillery and per harvest).
A distinctive aspect of the Egyptian Geranium has a greener and more aromatic appearance.