How to Harvest Patchouli
- 1). Pinch back the ends of the branches to promote bushiness until the patchouli is 18 inches tall. Save these tips, but wait to harvest heavily until the patchouli plant is full and bushy.
- 2). Check the stems and the undersides of the leaves for insects. Look for any discoloration on the leaves. Do not harvest from infested or disease-infected plants.
- 3). Harvest the new growth from the ends of the branches. This will cause new growth to appear all over the plant. The best fragrance comes from the new growth of the patchouli.
- 4). Pick off several leaves every week or two. These leaves can reach 4 inches in length. If the leaves do not come off cleanly then use a sharp knife to remove the leaves. Do not strip the stems. Always leave at least a third of the leaves on the stems to keep a healthy plant.
- 5). Place the leaves in a brown paper bag with air holes. Place it in a warm, dark area. Do not expose the drying leaves to direct sunlight.
- 6). Stop harvesting once the leaves start to turn yellow on the patchouli plant. This is a sign that the plant is getting ready to go dormant for the winter.
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