Abstract: A method for cultivating Monarda fistulosa for production of thymoquinone includes planting seeds at rates between about 2.5 and about 5 pounds per acre, preferably about 4 pounds per acre. The heavy rate of planting produces plants bearing oil without weed contamination and reduces herbicide use due to production of natural herbicides by the monarda plants. Seeding and mowing the first season, and harvesting in seasons thereafter reduce costs. The method results in increased production of essential oils including thymoquinone and thymohydroquinone at levels up to about 40% or more of recovered oils, and which may be distilled from the plant.

Abstract: A method for cultivating Monarda fistulosa for production of thymoquinone includes planting seeds at rates between about 2.5 and about 5 pounds per acre, preferably about 4 pounds per acre. The heavy rate of planting produces plants bearing oil without weed contamination and reduces herbicide use due to production of natural herbicides by the monarda plants. Seeding and mowing the first season, and harvesting in seasons thereafter reduce costs. The method results in increased production of essential oils including thymoquinone and thymohydroquinone at levels up to about 40% or more of recovered oils, and which may be distilled from the plant.

Abstract: A method for cultivating Monarda fistulosa for production of thymoquinone includes planting seeds at rates between about 2.5 and about 5 pounds per acre, preferably about 4 pounds per acre. The heavy rate of planting produces plants bearing oil without weed contamination and reduces herbicide use due to production of natural herbicides by the monarda plants. Seeding and mowing the first season, and harvesting in seasons thereafter reduce costs. The method results in increased production of essential oils including thymoquinone and thymohydroquinone at levels up to about 5% of recovered oils, and which may be distilled from the plant.

Abstract: A method for cultivating Monarda fistulosaincludes planting seeds at rates between about 2.5 and about 5 pounds per acre, preferably about 4 pounds per acre. Fuel costs are reduced because seeding, mowing the first season, and harvesting in seasons thereafter are all that is required. Reduction in herbicide use results from the heavy rate of planting, improved germination attributed to rolling, and the plant's natural herbicides which are more highly effective when seeded at the higher rate. The method includes seeding, mowing during a first growing season, and harvesting each season thereafter. This method results in oil without weed contamination and carvacrol levels are high.