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Old April 17, 2007   #1
akgardengirl
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Default Ideal time to pick herbs

What is the primo time to pick herbs for drying? Does is it make much diff if they have flowered or not? I am still pretty new at growing them.
Sue
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Old April 19, 2007   #2
honu
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Sue, "Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs" says,
"If you are harvesting leaves, the peak time for flavor and fragrance is just before the plants flower in the spring. Harvests can continue as need and plant growth permit, until early fall. Trim off any flower heads from basil and mint for continued top-quality leaf production."
What kinds of herbs are growing?
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Old April 19, 2007   #3
lavandula girl
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Also, herbs that are grown for their flowers are generally picked when the buds are still tight - lavender and sometimes chives come to mind here. It isn't true for all of them, but that's a general rule of thumb. As Honu said, prior to flowering is best for plants you use just the leaves of. I pinch back the forming flower heads on basil, tarragon and oregano especially, unless i want a few blooms to garnish a dish. if you don't already own that Rodale's book, I suggest picking it up at the bookstore - it's really a good one.
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Old April 19, 2007   #4
Granny
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The Shakers picked those chive flowers, then broke them apart and used them as seasoning in omelets. If they haven't opened yet throw them in whole. Different. Yummy.
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Old April 19, 2007   #5
akgardengirl
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Default Ideal time to pick herbs

I am growing greek oregano, french thyme, majorum, rosemary, lavender, and clary sage (don't know if this qualifies). I grow them as annuals here so don't usually see flowers until June. Did you have to order the Rodale book or can I get it at B&N?
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Sue
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Old April 19, 2007   #6
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I think I bought mine at a big box book store - I'm sure B&N either has it, or can send it to you if they don't. It's a really good resource, you won't be sorry.
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Old April 19, 2007   #7
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If you cut rosemary at the wrong time of the year you wont have any flowers.
they make the flower buds the year before. so you need to pick it right aftwer it flowers.

I really dont care as I have so much of it.

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