What may seem like a counterproductive, almost cruel operation towards a plant that has luxuriant growth, in truth translates into a very beneficial action towards it. Let’s see in more detail why pruning aromatic herbs is optimal especially in this period. (Preserve rosemary and other herbs with this no-cost trick to keep them going all winter)
When to prune
How to prune
For herbaceous plants, cutting with your nail may be sufficient. While for woody plants we will have to use a disinfected shear. In both cases we make a clean cut, because a jagged cut exposes the plant to possible infections. We eliminate all the inflorescences and all the dry leaves and dead branches. As far as herbaceous plants are concerned, we can eliminate up to two thirds of the plant. While for woody ones, it is better not to exceed. Let’s limit ourselves to cleaning them from dry foliage. The point of the cut does not matter much since we will not have to take cuttings.
Which plants should be pruned during this period?
As we just mentioned above, we make two fundamental distinctions:
As regards the first variety of plants, these are grown essentially for their aromatic foliage, however they will tend to die after the first flowering. Therefore it is essential to remove the flowers or at most leave only a few to collect and preserve the seeds. Generally, every plant uses a lot of energy when it flowers, which would be to the detriment of the leaves and their scent. Therefore removing all the flowers will not only allow you to have even more fragrant foliage but will prolong the life of the plant itself.
As regards the second variety of plants, the woody ones, the situation is different. They are evergreen, they are not annuals so they do not die after flowering. Pruning in these cases must not be too severe otherwise you risk weakening it too much. Generally, no more than a third of the plant is removed. An exception is lavender which also tolerates pruning by as much as two thirds of its height.
The benefits of pruning
We have mentioned how for some varieties, pruning can even prolong the life of the plant itself. Let’s see in detail what benefits this operation brings:
Because pruning prevents diseases
Regular pruning not only strengthens the plant but also helps it prevent diseases and infections. When aromatic plants, such as rosemary and thyme, grow without adequate maintenance, their branches can become too dense, obstructing the passage of air and light. Such a closed and humid environment can encourage the proliferation of mold and parasites, especially in the areas closest to the ground. If we prune the plants regularly, we create a more airy and bright space, in which diseases struggle to develop, thus preserving vigor and health.
Stimulates balanced growth
Pruning helps maintain balanced and controlled growth of aromatic plants, especially woody plants such as rosemary and lavender, which tend to expand rapidly. Without regular pruning, these plants can grow too tall or wide, quickly depleting the nutrients available in the soil. By cutting consistently, the plants will grow compactly and vigorously, minimizing the need to transplant them or strengthen them with additional fertilizers.
How to store pruned herbs
If you prune the aromatic herbs you can also save them for the winter, and have rosemary, thyme and sage for all the dishes you want to flavour. Cut off excess foliage, collect the leaves and you can then dry or freeze them. Drying is particularly suitable for thyme and rosemary, which retain their aroma and flavor well. Freezing is ideal for soft-leafed herbs, such as basil and parsley, which retain their freshness better when kept at low temperatures. With a little planning, you can have a free supply of aromas all winter long.
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