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Bethany Nelson
Hello just curious how old a plant needs to be to start harvesting leaves or flowers from it? I have a one year old spearmint plant that I’ve taken a few leaves from maybe a 1/3 of a cup. Is it ok to take more or will I kill the plant? Also how do the rest of you harvest the leaves?
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Sandra Cheatham
Great question!
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CarolAnn
I have heard Doc and multiple herbalists talk about not harvesting more than 1/3 of the plant. I go slow on harvesting even that much on very young plants, but mints are pretty fast growers. You can take just the top and pinch off just above a lower set of leaves. It will make the plant bushier and produce even more! I love my spearmint plant that is now 2 years old and it went to town the second year!
With any frost that is in the forecast, I do harvest much more heavily as it can sustain damage.
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Dr. Patrick Jones
Once a mint is healthy and happy, you can usually harvest the top third or quarter and it won’t care a bit.
Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.
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