Knowing how and when to harvest herbs and flowers is an important part of the process of this series. Here is a step by step guide to getting great results from all of your efforts growing beautiful plants!
Pick At Peak Bloom
You can harvest any time after buds form. Some flowers are attractive in the bud form but most can be left until they are in full bloom. Be careful not to delay harvest beyond this point though as they may be more prone to loss of petals after their peak. It is a good idea to harvest a little at a time to avoid overheating and crowding of the cut stems before they are hung to dry. This is more critical for herbs being dried for culinary purposes (to be discussed in another post) but can damage the stems and flower heads if crowded and piled high. Luckily each flower will likely come to peak at different times so harvesting is an ongoing process once summer is in full swing.
Wash The Plants The Evening Before Harvest
Once you have decided that you have a crop ready for harvest wash them off the night before you plan to harvest. Use care not to splash dirt from the earth back onto the plant. This will do most of the cleaning ahead of the harvest and any other cleaning required afterward much easier.
Pick Early in the Morning
Herbs and Flowers that are harvested early in the morning after the dew has burned off but before the heat of the day will retain maximum fragrance, one of the best things about dried arrangements.
Gathering and Drying
Gather in small bunches and tie with string. Drying bunches of herbs and floral stems for bouquets is best when the bunches are hung upside down. These can be hung from beams, a ladder or rack. Delicate flower heads can be individually placed within the spaces of a screen suspended from above. Really anything that allows the bunches to be places far enough apart for the air to circulate around them freely. A dark place, such as a basement or attic is perfect as long as it is well ventilated. Drying time depends upon how well ventilated the space is and the weather. Dry weather will result in drying times that are faster. Damp weather may take a little longer. Usually 2 weeks is sufficient time for drying.
Once the stems are completely dry they are ready to be arranged into bouquets. Part 4 of this 4 part series will cover creating beautiful bouquet arrangements with your dried herbs, flowers, and branches.
If you happened upon this post first you can begin here at Part 1 of the Series. Click here to go to Part 4 of the Series