Content
- When is the best time to cut peppermint?
- Cut peppermint for immediate consumption
- With what and when do you cut peppermint?
- Always cut peppermint over the ground
- Cut peppermint before flowering and in autumn
- Cut peppermint into shape
- Tips & Tricks
When is the best time to cut peppermint?
In peppermint there are two main harvest times, to which you cut the plants completely. For the current consumption you may cut peppermint at any time. Even during and after flowering, the herbs can be harvested.
Cut peppermint for immediate consumption
Basically, you can harvest peppermint anytime. Whenever you need a few leaves for a dessert or a tea, cut off the required amount.
Peppermint is not poisonous after flowering and can be harvested afterwards. The aroma is then a bit bitter.
You can harvest both the leaves and the stems. That depends on how much seasoning you need for food or drinks.
With what and when do you cut peppermint?
Always cut peppermint over the ground
You can either harvest peppermint as single leaves or cut the whole stem. The latter is useful if you want to preserve the herb by drying it.
The best way to do this is to use a pair of scissors to cut the stems easily. With the knife, you hurt the stems, so that pathogens can penetrate.
If possible, cut the herb back above the ground. At the same time you stimulate the renewed energy.
Cut peppermint before flowering and in autumn
During the two main harvest times cut back the plant completely.
Peppermint harvested before flowering has the strongest aroma. It is therefore particularly suitable for processing.
It is only worthwhile preserving peppermint chopped in autumn if the summer has been very warm and dry. After cool summers, the plants have too little aroma.
Cut peppermint into shape
To keep the plants in check, you can cut them back regularly. The peppermint does not hurt strong cutbacks. Often, it drives you even more.
Tips & Tricks
Peppermint, which you want to preserve, should be cut on a dry morning when it has rained the day before. The herbs are then dry well and you do not need to wash them extra because dust and dirt have already been washed away by the rainwater.
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