The right harvest time for the plant parts
Usually the leaves not harvested from valerian. But if you plan to use them e.g. B. to use for salads, you can collect them before the flowering period.
also read
- Dry ground ground and then use it for tea and as a spice
- Harvest dill and use it in the kitchen
- Valerian: appearance of leaves and uses
As soon as the flowering period starts between June and July, the right time to harvest the flowers has come. You should only dig up the roots in autumn - between the end of September and mid-October. Remember that you can harvest this in the second year at the earliest! In the first year of standing the roots are still too small.
In general, it is advisable to harvest early in the morning. Then the active ingredient content is highest. It is also advantageous to harvest when the moon is waxing and the weather is dry.
This is how you dry the flowers and roots
Anyone who has harvested large quantities would do well to dry the roots and flowers. That's how it's done:
- Hang up the flowers in bunches
- upside down in a dark or shady and airy place to hang
- Clean roots and get rid of root fibers
- Cut into pieces 2 to 3 cm long
- Dry in a dryer / dehydrator at 40 ° C
Use the flowers - what for?
The fresh or dried blossoms Valerian can be used for various purposes. There are no limits to your ideas. How about, for example:
- Fruit salads with valerian flowers
- a bouquet of flowers
- a herbal punch
- a sachet
- a tea or a cold infusion
Use the roots for tea
The roots contain the highest active ingredient content. Therefore, they are preferred for harvest in commercial cultivation. You can use them for tea, for example. It is advisable to grate the dried roots or cut them very finely. Let it steep for 10 minutes and drink.
Tips
If you leave part of the root in the ground, you can hope that the root will sprout again in spring.
