Verbena Plant Harvesting: Optimal Time and Technique

Introduction

Verbena plants are well-known for their beautiful flowers and aromatic foliage. Whether you grow them in your garden or in pots, knowing the optimal time and technique for harvesting verbena is essential to get the most out of your plant. In this article, we will explore the best practices for verbena plant harvesting, ensuring that you can enjoy its benefits for months to come.

Understanding Verbena Plants

Before we delve into the specifics of harvesting verbena plants, let’s take a moment to understand them better. Verbena plants belong to the Verbenaceae family and are native to both North and South America. They come in various species, including Verbena officinalis, Verbena bonariensis, and Verbena hybrida.

Verbena plants are typically grown for their vibrant flowers, which range in color from purple and pink to white and red. These flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making them a great addition to any garden. Additionally, verbena leaves possess a delightful citrus-like fragrance, which adds another layer of appeal to these plants.

Optimal Time for Harvesting Verbena Plants

Determining the right time to harvest your verbena plants is crucial to ensure the maximum potency of their flowers and foliage. The ideal time for harvesting varies depending on your intended use:

Harvesting for Fresh Use

If you plan to use your verbena immediately, such as in teas or culinary recipes, it is best to harvest the leaves and flowers when they are fully developed but haven’t started fading. Look for vibrant colors and healthy foliage before picking them.

Harvesting for Drying

When harvesting verbena plants for drying purposes, it is best to wait until the flowers have reached their peak bloom. At this stage, they will contain the highest concentration of essential oils, giving them a stronger aroma and flavor. Choose a dry morning to harvest the flowers, preferably after the dew has evaporated.

Harvesting Technique for Verbena Plants

To ensure a successful harvest, it is important to use the correct technique when harvesting verbena plants. Here are some guidelines to follow:

Harvesting Leaves

When harvesting verbena leaves, start by selecting healthy and mature leaves from the outer parts of the plant. Avoid taking too many leaves from a single stem to prevent stunting its growth. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to make clean cuts just above a leaf node or joint. This will encourage new growth and ensure a bushier plant.

Harvesting Flowers

To harvest verbena flowers, use the same clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. Cut the stems just above a leaf node or joint, similar to how you would harvest leaves. Aim to cut the stems in the morning when the flowers are at their freshest. Remove any damaged or discolored flowers to promote healthier growth.

Drying Verbena Flowers

If you plan on drying your verbena flowers, there are several techniques you can use:

Air Drying: Gather small bundles of verbena flowers and tie them together with twine or rubber bands. Hang the bundles upside down in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. The flowers will naturally dry over time, usually within two to three weeks.
Oven Drying: Place your freshly harvested verbena flowers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Preheat your oven to its lowest setting (ideally around 100°F or 38°C) and place the baking sheet inside. Leave the oven door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape. Check on the flowers regularly until they are dry and crumbly.
Dehydrator Drying: If you own a food dehydrator, this method is highly efficient for drying verbena flowers. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying herbs or flowers, setting the temperature to the recommended level. Dehydrators typically take a few hours to dry the flowers completely.

Storing Harvested Verbena

Once you have successfully harvested and dried your verbena leaves or flowers, it is important to store them properly to maintain their quality and freshness. Here are some tips for storing your harvest:

Leaves: Store dried verbena leaves in an airtight container, such as a glass jar or resealable plastic bag. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Properly stored dried leaves can last up to a year.
Flowers: For dried verbena flowers, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Ensure that the flowers are fully dry before sealing the container. Stored correctly, dried verbena flowers can retain their fragrance for several months.

Conclusion

Harvesting verbena plants at the optimal time and using the correct technique ensures that you can enjoy their vibrant flowers and aromatic foliage for an extended period. Whether you plan to use them fresh or dry them for later use, following these guidelines will help you make the most of your verbena harvest. So get ready to savor the beauty and aroma of your verbena plants all year round!