From our perspective, timing is everything. Harvesting at the peak of our vitality ensures the highest concentration of the beneficial compounds you seek. For the leaves, the ideal moment is just before we reach full bloom. At this stage, our basal rosette of leaves is mature, having photosynthesized vigorously to build energy for the flowering process. The leaves are lush, aromatic, and potent. Once flowering begins, our energy redirects to the blooms, and the leaves can become tougher and less flavorful.
For the flowers, you must wait until the inflorescences—the flat-topped clusters of tiny florets—are fully open. Do not harvest when the buds are still tight and green; the medicinal and aromatic properties are not fully developed. The florets should be completely open, showing their white or yellow centers clearly. Crucially, harvest before the flowers begin to brown, wilt, or set seed. This is the absolute peak of our reproductive effort, and the essential oils are at their most potent.
The "how" of harvesting is as important as the "when." We recommend using a pair of sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears. Crushing or tearing our stems with dull tools damages our vascular tissues, creating open wounds that are susceptible to disease and hinder our future growth. Always make clean, angled cuts.
For leaves, snip the younger, more tender leaves near the top of the stem or from the outer portion of the basal rosette. Avoid stripping a single stem completely, as this compromises its ability to function. For flowers, cut the entire flower head, including 2-4 inches of the stem. This stem provides a convenient handle for bundling and hanging the harvest. The best time of day to harvest is in the late morning, after the dew has evaporated but before the intense afternoon sun. Morning sun helps burn off excess moisture from rain or dew, reducing the risk of mold during the drying process, while avoiding the heat of the day preserves our volatile oils.
Once harvested, the goal is to remove moisture as quickly and evenly as possible to prevent decay and preserve our chemical profile. The first step is to gently shake us to dislodge any insects. Do not wash the leaves or flowers unless absolutely necessary, as this introduces moisture and makes drying much more difficult. If you must, pat us dry immediately and thoroughly with a clean towel.
There are two primary methods for indoor drying. The first is bundling: gather 4-6 stems together and tie them loosely with string or a rubber band. As the stems dry, they will shrink, so the loose tie prevents bunches from falling apart. Hang these bundles upside down in a warm, dark, dry, and well-ventilated area like a closet, attic, or pantry. Darkness is critical to prevent the sun from degrading our color and potency. The second method is screen drying: lay the leaves or flower heads in a single layer on a fine mesh screen or a drying rack, ensuring air can circulate above and below. This method is excellent for preventing mold in more humid environments. We are sufficiently dry when the leaves crumble easily and the flower stems snap instead of bending.
