Age of Plant vs Potency - A Kava Farmers Experience

A Kava “reseller” had claimed that the older the root, the more potent. So the question posed to me was “Is 10 year old Kava more potent than 2 year old Kava”. The short answer is “NO”. The percent of Kavalactones in a Kava Plant reach their full potential at 18 to 24 months and the potency can actual decrease over time. As a Kava Farmer, I will let my plants grow up to 5 years old because they will be bigger and yield more Kava. For those interested, I have posted a more detail explanation below.

When we plant a kava plant it will grow fast and consistent for about 6 years and then it slows down and the growth habit changes. During this time it will send out new roots that will grow outward for up to 12 feet or more. New stalks will form that increase the size of the stump. The roots and the stump are the choice parts that I process for consumption.

After about 6 years, the growth habit changes. Growth slows and it does not send out many new stalks. The potent roots also stop growing. At this point, you may start to see mature stalks dying off and this can create rot in the stump of the plant. The plant will start to grow slowly upward instead of outward.

So from 2-5 year active growth cycle, I believe the Kavalactones are at their peak. Once they get older, I stand a chance of losing some of that potency. Tests have consistently shown this to be true.