When to Harvest Mint Plants?

Harvesting Time

• A mint plant can be harvested when it is still young, almost immediately after it emerges in the springtime. According to the University of Rhode Island Extension, young leaves and stems are of the highest quality. Mint usually produces two or three harvests per season. Harvest mint before the plant flowers to prevent it from going to seed.

How to Harvest

• Cut mint stems 1 inch above the soil line for large harvests. The Colorado State University Extension recommends harvesting mint in the morning to preserve the maximum amount of flavorful oils in the leaves. You can also remove individual leaves as needed.

Preserving Mint

• Dry mint by hanging it upside down in bundles. Refrigerating or freezing mint will cause leaves to turn black. If you must freeze it, chop the leaves and mix them with a bit of water in ice trays to preserve as much flavor as possible.