Harvesting Bergamot Plant:
Timing and Techniques

Bergamot is a fragrant herb used for its essential oils, tea, and culinary purposes. Bergamot plant, scientifically known as Monarda didyma, belongs to the mint family and is native to North America. This plant blooms in mid to late summer and has vibrant pink to purple flowers.

Harvesting bergamot requires careful timing and techniques to ensure that you get the most out of your plant. In this article, we will discuss when and how to harvest bergamot.

When to Harvest Bergamot

The timing of bergamot harvesting depends on the intended use of the plant. Here are some guidelines for when to harvest bergamot based on its use:

For Essential Oil Production

If you plan to use bergamot for essential oil production, the best time to harvest is just before the flowers fully bloom. You can tell if the flowers are about to bloom by looking at the buds. The buds will have a slight pink hue and will be slightly swollen. Once the buds begin to open, it’s too late to harvest for essential oil production.

For Tea or Culinary Use

For tea or culinary use, you can harvest bergamot at any time during the growing season. However, the leaves’ flavor is most potent just before the flowers bloom.

After Flowering

After blooming, you can still harvest bergamot plants for tea or culinary use. However, the flavor will not be as strong as before flowering.

How to Harvest Bergamot

Now that you know when to harvest bergamot let’s discuss how to do it correctly. Follow these steps:

1. Choose a dry day to harvest your bergamot plant.
2. Cut the stems with sharp scissors or pruning shears about 1 inch above the ground level.
3. Remove any damaged leaves or flowers from the stems.
4. Rinse the harvested stems under cold water.
5. Dry them by spreading them out on a paper towel or a clean cloth for a few hours.
6. Once they are dry, store them in an airtight container in a cool and dry place.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often can I harvest bergamot?

You can harvest bergamot as often as every three weeks during the growing season, but we recommend waiting until new growth appears before harvesting again.

How do I know if my bergamot is ready for harvesting?

As mentioned earlier, for essential oil production, you should harvest just before flowering. For tea or culinary use, you can harvest at any time during the growing season, but the best time is just before flowering.

How should I store my harvested bergamot?

After drying your harvested stems thoroughly, store them in an airtight container in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight.

Can I freeze my harvested bergamot?

Yes, you can freeze your harvested bergamot if you’re not planning on using it right away. Place your dried bergamot in a freezer bag or airtight container and store it in your freezer for up to six months.

Conclusion

Harvesting bergamot requires careful timing and techniques to ensure that you get the most out of your plant. Whether you’re using it for essential oil production or tea and culinary purposes, following these guidelines will help you get the best results from your bergamot plant.