Many factors can influence the percentage of Lawsone in the Henna powder. Among those we mention:
- Distance between one shrub and another in the farm should be around 1.0 meter in all directions this allows the plant to absorb more nutrients from the soil
- It is important to mention that Henna cannot thrive in zones where temperature falls below 11°C, and it cannot survive any temperature below 5°C.
- The most favorable atmosphere for the Lawsone to be highly concentrated within the plant’s leaves is the tropical and semi-arid climate. This is why countries such as Yemen, India, Soudan, Morocco, Pakistan, China and other African, and South Asian countries are perfect for the growth of this plant.
- The perfect temperature for Henna plant to produce the best concentration of Lawsone dye is between 35 and 45°C.
- The timing of the harvesting: Henna should not be harvested while raining or directly after rain as this will cause a release of the Lawsone dye from the leaves.
- It is important to know that a Henna tree is harvested for the first time 9 months after interplanting the seedlings. After that, it can be harvested 3 times a year.
- The quality of the first harvest is not that good, but it can be improved by fertilizing it with some organic fertilizers. Then the quality improves at the second harvest, and the best harvest ever is the one that is during the summer.
- Drying the leaves under the shades will maintain the greenish luster color of the powder.
- Drying the leaves under the sun will not harm the concentration of the Lawsone pigment, but will slightly change the leaves color to red.
- Every 1 kg of Henna leaves needs 1 square meter for drying.
- Drying Henna leaves in outdoor sunny area takes 24 hours.
- It is recommended that Henna shrubs get drip irrigation and this is to save water.
- The time of interplanting the seedling is crucial for the survival of the Henna plant.
- After harvesting process:
- Cleaning Henna from branches, stones, and any other foreign material is crucial for the concentration of the Lawsone dye.
- Grinding Henna without generating high temperature levels is crucial as well to prevent burning Henna leaves and evaporating the essential oil.
- Refining Henna to reach high degrees of fineness leads to obtaining a higher concentration of Lawsone pigment.
- Storing Henna in dark, cold and dry weather is the most favorable storage method for Henna to maintain its quality