Does harvesting encourage more growth?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Properly harvesting parsley regularly will actually encourage the plant to produce regrowth. When gardeners cut the outer stems back, the plant reacts by sending hormonal signals to the central crown and the dormant buds. The plant begins to push out new shoots. Failing to employ the correct harvest procedure can lead to problems.
Hormonal Response
- Auxin redistribution: Redirects growth to new shoots
- Cytokinin production: Accelerates cell division at crown
- Jasmonic acid: Signals defense and regeneration
Recovery Requirements
- 5-day minimum: Energy rebuilding period
- Photosynthesis surface: 30% leaf retention needed
- Root reserves: Carbohydrate replenishment phase
Proper technique fosters ideal growing conditions. Cut outer stems 1" above soil to preserve the crown. Using a 45° angle directs water away, preventing rot and mildew. Never harvest more than a third of the foliage at any time, or the plant won't be able to feed itself. Rotate the cutting of each section so they return to full foliage at different times. Prompt new shoots will be triggered!
Consequences of over-harvesting plants can have extremely damaging effects on them. If more than a third of the leaves are taken, the root will be starved. Strip out the softer stems within, and you will coarsely cut off the very bud, or point of growth. Within days, the plant shows signs of stress. The leaves turn yellow. It grows stuntedly, and it will be weeks before it recovers and really grows!
The flowering phase changes the previous harvest rules entirely. The energy is directed to seed production. Growth of follicles and leaves stops at the normal period. If you cut down a flowering plant under any circumstances, you unnecessarily expend its entire energies. Collect the seeds and store them in packets for use in the next season's planting. Leave them in the bed till the foliage yellows. This brings the biennial story to a conclusion.
"Post-harvest care" speeds recovery. Ensure that you water the plants with one gallon of water within the first 24 hours after cutting. Apply a balanced fertilizer of your choice at the same time. Keep the soil consistently moist. Keep the plants in the shade to protect them from the heat. These practices foster rapid recovery after cutting. Strong new stems reappear.
Use these Growth Principles in your own garden. Remember to take only the outermost stems. Note the rule about quantity. Harvest a section and then leave it for a week. Attend to the plant after cutting. You will receive a reward of continuous growth. And we shall have plenty of fresh herbs every day.
Read the full article: When to Harvest Parsley: Ultimate Timing Guide
