Harvesting Asian Jasmine Plant: Timing and Techniques for a Successful Harvest

Asian jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum), also known as confederate jasmine or star jasmine, is a popular ornamental plant known for its fragrant white flowers and lush green foliage. Though often grown purely for aesthetics, the leaves and flowers of the Asian jasmine plant have many uses – from brewing floral tea to weaving festive wreaths. If you want to make the most of your Asian jasmine plant, it’s crucial to know the optimal time and proper techniques for harvesting it.

At our nursery we’ve been growing and harvesting Asian jasmine for over a decade. We’ve learned through experience how to maximize our jasmine yield while ensuring the long-term health of these beautiful vines. Here we’ll share everything we know about the ideal harvesting time, step-by-step techniques, and proper care for your Asian jasmine plants after harvesting.

When is the Best Time to Harvest Asian Jasmine?

Asian jasmine can be harvested multiple times per year, but the optimal timing depends on which part of the plant you want to harvest and how you plan to use it.

Harvesting Asian Jasmine Flowers

• Spring – The primary bloom period for Asian jasmine is in spring, usually late April through May. This is the best time to harvest the fragrant white flowers for immediate use in floral arrangements, wreaths, and potpourri.

• Summer – Asian jasmine will often rebloom intermittently through the summer months Secondary harvests of flowers can be made during summer as well, The fragrance may not be as strong as the spring bloom,

Harvesting Asian Jasmine Foliage

• Early Summer – Harvest jasmine foliage for wreaths, DIY projects, floral decor, or propagation in early summer when leaves are at their healthiest and most vibrant green.

• Fall – Foliage can be harvested again in fall after the blooming period is over. The leaves start to fade at this point but still have their signature jasmine fragrance.

What to Avoid

• Avoid harvesting flowers during temperature extremes in mid-summer or winter, as this can stress the plant.

• Avoid overharvesting – never remove more than 30% of the plant at one time, and allow it to recover between harvests.

Step-by-Step Harvesting Techniques

Follow these simple steps for a successful Asian jasmine harvest:

1. Use Clean, Sterilized Tools

• Pruning shears, scissors, and other harvesting tools should be cleaned and sterilized before each use to prevent spreading disease between plants.

• Rubbing alcohol or a diluted bleach solution work well for sterilization.

2. Cut Stems at an Angle

• Make each cut at a 45 degree angle rather than straight across.

• Angled cuts prevent water from pooling on the stem surface which minimizes rot.

3. Leave Some Foliage Behind

• Never harvest more than 30% of the plant’s foliage at one time.

• Leave some leaves behind so the plant can continue photosynthesis and regrow after harvesting.

4. Time it Right

• For foliage, harvest in the morning after dew dries but before the heat of mid-day.

• For flowers, harvest when fully open and most fragrant, usually late morning to noon.

5. Handle with Care

• Transport harvested jasmine in buckets of water or floral sleeves to prevent wilting.

• Store in the refrigerator if not using immediately.

• Work quickly and gently to maintain flower and leaf quality.

Caring for Asian Jasmine After Harvesting

It’s important to properly care for your Asian jasmine vines after harvesting to maintain their health:

• Water thoroughly after harvesting and continue regular watering.

• Apply a balanced fertilizer to help the plant recover and produce new growth.

• Prune back any damaged stems using sterilized shears.

• Check for signs of disease or pests and treat any issues promptly.

• Reduce future harvests until the plant regrows to its previous size.

With the right timing and technique, you can enjoy multiple harvests from your Asian jasmine plants each year. Pay close attention to the plant’s needs after harvesting, and you’ll be rewarded with an everlasting supply of this versatile, fragrant foliage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Harvesting Asian Jasmine

Here are answers to some common questions about getting the most out of your Asian jasmine harvest:

How often can Asian jasmine be harvested?

Asian jasmine can be harvested multiple times per year – typically in spring for flowers and again in early summer for foliage. Avoid overharvesting by allowing the plant time to recover between harvests.

Can you harvest too much Asian jasmine at once?

Yes, removing more than 30% of the plant’s foliage or flowers at one time can shock and damage the plant. Harvest conservatively and leave ample foliage for regrowth.

Should I fertilize Asian jasmine after harvesting?

Fertilizing with a balanced 10-10-10 or organic plant food after harvesting helps Asian jasmine bounce back quickly. This replaces lost nutrients and fuels new growth.

What is the shelf life of harvested Asian jasmine?

Fresh-cut jasmine flowers and foliage will last approximately 7-10 days with proper care and handling. Refrigeration can extend the shelf life further.

Is morning or evening better for harvesting Asian jasmine?

Harvest jasmine in the morning after dew dries for optimal fragrance and appearance. Avoid mid-day heat and harvest before noon.

Get Growing!

Now that you know when and how to harvest your prized Asian jasmine vines, it’s time to put that knowledge to use! Follow our tips for timing, techniques, and aftercare as you incorporate this beautiful bloom into wreaths, tea, aromatherapy, and more. With the right approach, you can enjoy season after season of bountiful jasmine harvests.