How to Prune Patchouli Plants

The patchouli plant is a bushy herb that grows up to 3 feet and has many uses. Its aroma is used in toiletries and perfumes and it also has medicinal and insecticidal properties. Patchouli is easy to grow if given the proper care, which requires regular pruning to keep it thick and bushy. When pruning, you will notice a strong patchouli odor. This is particularly evident when the plant is mature at harvest time.

Pruning shears

Instructions

- 1
  Prune the patchouli early in the growing season after the new buds form. Cut the branches just above the buds using sharp pruning shears.
- 2
  Pinch back the stems as needed to keep the plant from getting long and straggly. The more you pinch back the new growth, the bushier it will be.
- 3
  Prune branches that reach maturity 70 to 90 days after planting. Cut them back so that only three healthy buds remain on the branch. This allows the branches to regenerate. Branches are mature when one or two of the lower leaves turn yellow.
- 4
  Harvest the branches 90 to 100 days after planting as they start to mature. Branches mature at different rates so the process is ongoing.

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