Anyone have experience harvesting Filipendula ulmaria? What is the best time to harvest - What stage should the plants be in? Full flower? Prior to flower? gone to seed? When are the phenolic constituents the highest?
I've been growing it for a while, but this year I *finally* have a great crop, that the Japanese beetles have not touched (they usually love this). With all the rain we have been having in our area this month (now 22 days of rain in June and counting), the J. Beetles have not come out. And of course Meadowseet loves the wet soil.
Anyone with experience harvesting have suggestions? It's funny, I have dozens and dozens of herb books for ID, medical constituents, and a few on growing conditions, but none that talk about how to harvest . I guess it's an art:)
Thanks- Patricia
Filipendula ulmaria- Meadowsweet - when to harvest?
Hi Patricia,
The best time for meadowsweet is when it is in full flower (or most of the flowers are open). If we ever get more than 12 hours of dry weather, it's best to harvest on a dry, warm day. But, we have had weather like yours and sometimes, you have to do what you can when you can.
Thanks for that! It's almost ready then, the flowers haven't quite opened.
Like you, I'm hoping for a little less rain, and more sun.
Patricia