Plant cultivation method for increasing phytochemical content

A plant cultivation method for increasing content of a phytochemical, the method comprising:

• cultivating a Labiatae plant in a visible light environment having a dark period and a light period,
• wherein the Labiatae plant is exposed to visible light during the dark period and during the light period, the dark period being alternate with the light period;
• performing UV treatment using UVB radiation to the Labiatae plant;
• and
• controlling content of a phytochemical in the Labiatae plant based on at least three parameters, wherein the at least three parameters comprise a cumulative dose of the UVB radiation, a duration of the UV treatment prior to harvesting, and a timing of the UV treatment;
• and
• wherein the cumulative dose of the UVB radiation ranges from 0.54 J/m2 to 4.32 kJ/m2 and the cumulative dose of the UVB radiation varies dependent upon the duration of the UV treatment.