Practical Tips for Harvesting Herbs

by Judith Kohnen


harvesting herbs



Choosing the optimal time to harvest your herbs depends on (1) the herb and its growing conditions; (2) the part of the plant you’re after – leaves, flowers, or roots; and (3) whether the plant is at its peak for potency. If we emphasize the highest quality, we ensure that we receive the best healing and nutritional value that herbs can provide for our bodies, as well as sate our appetites with good taste and flavor.

As a rule of thumb, we should pick at the herb’s prime time. The herb should be dried quickly and at the right temperature. Lastly, package and store your herb correctly to ensure the integrity of the plant.

Guidelines for Harvesting Herbs:

  • Above ground parts (leaves, buds, flowers): the general rule is to harvest in the morning after the dew has evaporated.
  • Buds & Flowers: best to harvest when they are first opening, especially if using for medicinal purposes (waiting till fully open means a loss of potency)
  • Leaves: In general, best to harvest before flowering (exceptions exist: mints are higher potency when in flower)
  • Roots: harvest in fall or early spring when energy is still stored in the root or bulb; can even harvest in winter as long as the ground is not frozen, and the plant is still identifiable.
  • Assess and examine herbs before you harvest. Determine its quality: strong color, smell, taste? Insect damage? Does it look vitally alive & healthy? If so, harvest!


Resources
NC State Extension - https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/harvesting-and-preserving...s
Iowa State University & Outreach - https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/.../growing...






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