The choice of plants and planting patterns was derived from a combination of factors such as those mentioned in the Mughal chronicles, pollen analysis tests, archival material, visitor accounts, soil and climatic conditions in the Humayun’s Tomb gardens. Along the periphery of the garden were planted large shade giving trees such as Mango and Neem. Over 300 plants of Lemon and orange, said to have been favored by Humayun were planted along the outer pathways. Similarly over 500 saplings of pomegranate were planted in the sunken area towards the east. Over 2000 Flower bearing and sweet smelling plants such as the Hibiscus (recorded in the Akbarnama to have been planted here), Chandni, Harsingar, Motia and Mogra have also been planted.