Anyone who plants wormwood has taken good precautions when it comes to health problems in the digestive area. Not only is this herb extremely bitter, but it is also extremely potent. But what about cutting?

Cut to harvest

In order to harvest the wormwood, its individual plant parts should not be plucked off, but cut off. Either smaller amounts are cut off again and again at the beginning of the growing season and until late summer, or larger amounts once or twice.

The harvested leaves, twigs and inflorescences can be used fresh or dried after harvesting. Whether immediately or after drying, the vermouth is suitable for seasoning greasy dishes for:

  • tea
  • Anoint
  • tinctures
  • oils
  • bath additives

Prune to encourage new growth

After you have harvested the wormwood generously for the first time (usually the top and lateral shoot tips in July), you should cut it back vigorously. This pruning promotes new growth.

Pruning after the autumn and winter period

Another reason to prune wormwood is to remove old shoots from the previous year and encourage its budding in the spring. It is best not to cut your wormwood in the fall. In a way, its shoots serve as protection from frost and snow.

Only in the spring should you radically shorten the wormwood to 15 cm above the ground. Attention: Do not cut too deep into the wood, otherwise the wormwood will not follow. For cutting, you should use sharp and clean rose or pruning shears.

Cutting: Not absolutely necessary

In principle, it is not absolutely necessary to cut the vermouth. However, high-growing varieties and specimens that are ailing or have partially died should be pruned heavily.

tips and tricks

Attention: Do not throw the cut shoots of wormwood on the compost! The strong smell that emanates from it drives away living beings that live and work in the compost.

Category:

Herbs