It grows without much care and produces a multitude of long flower spikes. Is it good to let it continue to grow or is pruning here and there appropriate? Below you will find out why, when and how you can cut stone thyme.
How and when should you cut stone thyme?
Stone thyme should be radically cut back to around 10 cm above the ground every spring. It is also recommended to regularly cut off the flowers in summer so that the plant does not waste its energy producing its seeds.
Is it advisable to cut the flowers from the stone thyme?
In order to extend theflowering period and thus be able to offer the bees a long-lasting bee pasture, it is advisable to cut off the withered flowers of the stone thyme. Wait until the inflorescences have faded and then cut them off down to the next pair of leaves underneath. You can use simple secateurs for this (€14.00 on Amazon).
Should thyme be cut back before winter?
Stone thyme, also known as mountain mint, should preferably be cut back inspring and rigorously. Don't worry: mountain mint is a perennial and hardy perennial. However, pruning before winter deprives the plant of some protection from cold and moisture, which is why pruning should take place in spring.
For pruning in spring, grab a pair of sharp secateurs and cut off all shoots up to about 10 cm above the ground. The new shoots develop from the rootstock.
How do you cut stone thyme for consumption?
To use the edible mountain mint in the kitchen, do not pick off the individual leaves, but rathercuta piece of thestem insteaddown. This is the only way the plant can grow back well again.
If you want to use the flowers, you can cut off the inflorescences and pick off the individual labial flowers later, for example to garnish salads.
What happens if Stonewhew doesn't get a cut?
If you don't cut Calamintha nepeta,the plant will gradually become bald. So in order to enjoy it for a long time, it is recommended to cut it back regularly as part of your care.
In addition, the stone thyme produces seeds after flowering without pruning and subsequently tends toSelf-sowing. Descendants of mountain mint could appear in the future where other plants have settled.
When do you cut stone thyme for harvesting seeds?
If you want to harvest the seeds of the stone thyme to use them for propagation, you can cut off the seed heads inlate summer to autumn. Seed maturity depends on when and how often the stone thyme was cut and whether it had the opportunity to form its seeds. It usually takes 6 to 8 weeks for seeds to mature after flowering. This usually happens around mid/late August.
Can you use stone thyme cuttings for cuttings?
You can save cut shoots of mountain mint and use them ascuttingsby sticking them in sandy butmoist substrate. However, it is advisable to take these cuttings from shoots that do not yet have flower buds.
Tip
Do not throw away the cuttings, but dry them for tea
If you cut back the mountain mint, you do not need to throw away the plant parts. If they are still he althy and beautiful, you can dry them and use them later for tea.
