Ylang Ylang trees are fast-growing. They can grow to 12 metres high, but for ease of harvesting and increased productivity, the trees are regularly pruned and kept around 3 metres tall. The essential oil comes from distilling the small flowers of the tree. Ylang Ylang trees must grow for 3 to 4 years before harvest, but will then produce flowers for potentially 30 years or more. Well cared-for trees can produce up to 10 kg of fresh flowers per year.

The flowers turn yellow when they are mature and ready to harvest. Although the flowers grow year-round, the principal harvest is from April to June, just after the rainy season. The harvesters (typically women) pick the flowers by hand early in the morning when the blossoms are open, releasing their sweet fragrance. The flowers need to be distilled within 24 hours of collection, otherwise, they lose their aroma and the essential oil yield from distillation is reduced. Distillation takes place for 18 to 24 hours. Because of the large volume of flowers required to produce the oil, the whole process requires a huge collective effort.