Harvesting Your Herbs


So you have put in all the work to ensure your herbs grow healthy and strong and now it's time to harvest!

 Apart from watching the magic of seeing your crops grow and develop, my favorite part is harvesting them.

 The harvest period for herbs will vary from plant to plant but here is a tip, for most herbs, try not to harvest more than one-third of the entire aerial growth at the same time.  You want to make sure that there is enough healthy green foliage so that it can continue to grow after you harvest.

 WHEN TO HARVEST 
Here are some of the most commonly grown herbs and their corresponding ages or times of year to begin harvesting:
  • Basil – Once the plant reaches 6 – 8” in height.
  • Chives – As soon as the leaves are thick enough to use.
  • Cilantro – Once stems are 6 – 12” long.
  • Lavender – Harvest at any time once stems have flowered.
  • Oregano – Sprigs may be harvested once the plant reaches 3 – 4” tall.  
  • Parsley – Anytime after mature leaves appear, usually when they split into three sections.
  • Peppermint – Harvest at any time. Best just before blooms appear.
  • Rosemary – May be harvested at any time.
  • Sage – Harvest only lightly during the first year of growth.  Second growing season and thereafter, harvest anytime year-round.
  • Tarragon – Anytime after new growth begins.
  • Thyme – Harvest at any time.  Best just before blooms appear.

 HOW TO HARVEST
  • Chives, for example, grow back faster if all of the leaves are cut off within an inch to a half inch from the ground. 
  • Leafy annuals like basil should be gathered by pinching off bunches of leaves from the tips of the stems.
  • Leafy perennial herbs such as oregano, thyme, sage, and tarragon can be harvested by the stem or sprig.
  • Herbs with long stems like cilantro, parsley, lavender, and rosemary should be cut near the base of the plant – about an inch from the ground.
Have you harvested any herbs recently? Share your photos with me using the hashtag #RogueGardening in the comment section below or on Facebook or Twitter, I would love to share your herb garden with everyone!

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