The leaves are of a proper quality to be harvested at about two years after the plants have been set. The period of harvesting is determined by the change of the character of the leaf, the chlorophyl becoming oxidized to xanthophyl, producing a slight yellowish tint. The leaf should be harvested before it would fall naturally, since at the time it drops off of its own weight it is too mature to produce the best results.

Size. The coca shrub, if not pruned, will usually attain to the height of about 12 feet. As this, however, would be inconvenient for picking purposes it is kept at a lower height by means of frequent pruning.

The orchards are weeded and cultivated at least after each harvest, but after this and until the next harvest not much is done to them. Nevertheless, if the orchards are kept free from weeds and grass it hastens the ripening of the leaves.

The leaves are gathered by women and children, just as in the days of the Incas. The women, however, do not take part in the cultivation. The harvester sits down in front of a shrub, and, taking the branch in her hands, strips the leaves off with both hands by a dexterous movement, being careful not to injure in any way the shrub itself. The leaves are collected in an apron, made usually of wool, and are thence transferred to larger sacks, and then conveyed to the drying sheds. Care is taken not to undertake the harvesting during a rain or when rain is threatening, since rain exerts a very injurious effect upon the leaves when freshly picked.