With peppermint, there are two main harvest times when you cut the plants back completely. For ongoing consumption, you can cut peppermint at any time. The herb can also be harvested during and after flowering.

Cut peppermint for immediate use

Basically, you can harvest peppermint at any time. Whenever you need a few leaves for a dessert or tea, cut off the required amount.

Peppermint is not poisonous after flowering and can also be harvested afterwards. However, the aroma is a bit bitter.

You can harvest both the leaves and the stems. That depends on how much herb you need for the food or drink.

With what and when do you cut peppermint?

  • Sharp scissors
  • Substitute sharp knife
  • First main harvest before flowering
  • Second main harvest in autumn

Always cut peppermint above the ground

You can either harvest peppermint as individual leaves or cut the entire stalk. The latter is useful if you want to preserve the herb by drying it.

It is best to use scissors for this, with which the stems can be easily cut. With the knife you damage the stems, so that pathogens can enter.

If possible, cut the herb back above the ground. This also stimulates new growth.

Prune peppermint before flowering and in fall

Cut back the plant completely during the two main harvest periods.

Peppermint harvested before flowering has the strongest aroma. It is therefore particularly suitable for processing.

Preserving peppermint cut in the fall is only worthwhile if the summer has been very warm and dry. After cool summers, the plants have too little aroma.

Cut the peppermint into shape

To keep the plants in check, you can cut them back regularly. Heavy pruning does not harm peppermint. It often drives out even stronger.

tips and tricks

Peppermint that you want to preserve should be cut on a dry morning if it rained the day before. The herbs are then well dry and you do not have to wash them separately because dust and dirt have already been washed off by the rainwater.

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Category:

Vegetable garden