How to Harvest, Store and Dry Bee Balm

DebDavies | Aug 31, 2009 |

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Bee Balm is a perennial herb that can be used when it is fresh to add color and interest to any of your soups and salads. It can also be used when it is dried as a tea. The highly fragrant white, red or purple flowers of Bee Balm can also be used in your dried flower arrangements and your potpourri.

Things You Will Need

Garden gloves
Garden sheers
Rubber bands
Small paper bags
Herb drying rack
Airtight containers

Harvest the Bee Balm leaves and flowers in the morning after all of the dew has dried from them but before the day warms too much. The oils will be at their strongest at this point. Fresh Bee Balm leaves and flowers can be harvested as needed for use in your soups and in your salads.

Dry the herb use in your dried flower arrangements and your potpourri. Dry the flowers and leaves on an herb drying rack or hang in a cool, dry, dark place. Gather the plant stalks into a bunch, slip a paper bag over the bundle and fasten with a rubber band. Cut ventilation slits into the bag and hang upside down. After a few weeks, periodically check it for dryness.

Crush the Bee Balm leaves and store them in an airtight container away from any light. The herb's flowers can also be stored in an airtight container for future use around your home. Use dried flowers in potpourri or flower arrangements.