Harvesting Techniques & Tools
• Harvest stems with plenty of leaves, usually 2 to 3 feet long and about ½ inch thick or less. You don’t want too many of the thicker, woody stems— they don’t produce dye! Also, make sure to leave enough stems or plants with seed pods to harvest and save seeds at the end of the growing season. ▪ Use hand pruners or battery-powered hedge trimmers for small harvests.
• Lay tarps under plants to catch stems as they fall. • Drag tarps with stems directly to a vehicle for transport as needed. Tarps help to avoid the extra task of collecting stems later. • Harvesting can be a fun group event - invite your friends and family for a harvest party! Harvest estimate: 6 people 100+ mature plants (≈300+ lbs) in 30–45 minutes.
• Choose leafy stems that are 2–3 ft tall and ½” thick. Avoid thick, woody stems—they don’t produce dye and occupy space in the vat. Leave some stems with flowers for seed saving at the end of the growing season
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