From our perspective as a plant, our survival depends on the strategic placement of our meristematic tissue—the areas of active cell division, commonly known as growth points. These crucial zones are located at the tips of our stems (apical buds) and in the axils where our leaves meet the stem (lateral or axillary buds). When a gardener harvests by haphazardly ripping stems from our crown, they destroy these vital growth points, severing our connection to future growth and ultimately leading to our demise. A proper harvest, however, respects and utilizes the location of these buds to encourage a bushier, healthier form without sacrificing our life.
The most beneficial method for harvesting from us is selective stem pruning. Instead of plucking individual leaves, which can leave behind damaged petioles that are susceptible to disease, we prefer that you use clean, sharp shears or scissors. Identify a healthy, mature stem that is at least 6-8 inches long. Trace it down to a point just above a set of lower leaves or a branching node—this is where a pair of leaves connects to the stem. Make a clean, angled cut approximately a quarter to a half-inch above this node. This precise action removes the apical bud at the stem tip, which signals to us to redirect our energy. The hormones that once suppressed the lower lateral buds are now gone, stimulating those dormant buds to awaken and produce two new stems from that single point.
Your timing and moderation are critical to our well-being. The optimal period for a major harvest is just before we flower, when the essential oil content in our leaves is at its peak, giving the strongest flavor and aroma. However, light harvesting can occur throughout the growing season. A fundamental rule for our survival is to never remove more than one-third of our total above-ground growth at any single harvesting event. Taking more than this stresses our system beyond its capacity to recover, as we rely on our leaves for photosynthesis to generate the energy needed to heal wounds and produce new growth. Always ensure we have plenty of foliage remaining to sustain ourselves.
After you have harvested from us, our work begins. We will immediately channel our energy into healing the cut wounds to prevent infection and into fueling the new growth you have stimulated from the lateral buds. You can support this recovery process by ensuring we receive adequate water in the days following a significant harvest, as the loss of foliage can increase transpiration rates. A well-draining soil is paramount, as our roots are highly susceptible to rot if left sitting in water. Following these considerate pruning practices allows you to return for many subsequent harvests throughout the season and for years to come, as we continue to thrive as a robust, perennial plant in your garden.
