Pandan, also known as daun pandan, is a Malaysian kitchen essential. From nasi lemak to kuih, its fragrance is instantly recognizable. But if you’re lucky enough to grow your own, you may be wondering — how do you harvest pandan properly without hurting the plant?
Let’s break it down the HARVEST way.
🌱 First, Is Your Pandan Ready for Harvest?
Your pandan plant is ready to be harvested when:
- It has at least 8–10 long, healthy leaves
- The plant stands at least 1 foot tall
- The older leaves (usually lower ones) start curling or leaning outward
If it’s a young plant (less than 3 months old), hold off — give it time to establish strong roots.
✂️ Best Time to Harvest Pandan
✅ Morning (before 10 AM)
✅ Dry days — harvesting on rainy days can encourage fungal growth on open cuts
✅ Every 2–3 weeks is ideal for a regular harvest cycle
✋ How to Harvest Pandan Without Damaging the Plant
1. Target Outer Leaves First
The outermost leaves are the oldest and most mature. Harvesting these first allows younger leaves in the center to keep growing.
2. Use a Clean Knife or Scissors
Cut close to the base, leaving about 1 inch of stalk. This prevents rot from forming in the crown of the plant.
3. Don’t Yank!
Never pull leaves by hand — it damages the plant tissue and may uproot young plants.
4. Harvest in a Fan Pattern
Pandan leaves grow in a fan shape. To maintain balance, harvest evenly from both sides of the plant.
🧼 What to Do With the Cut Leaves
- Wash and pat dry with a clean towel
- Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days
- Alternatively, air-dry the leaves for use in potpourri or traditional herbal sachets
🌿 Pro Tip: Want Your Pandan to Grow Thicker and Bushier?
Here’s how to encourage strong regrowth:
- Harvest regularly to stimulate new leaf production
- Apply a balanced fertilizer (NPK 15:15:15) once a month
- Water deeply twice a week, but ensure good drainage
- Re-pot if your pandan plant is root-bound
If you see side shoots or “anak pokok,” don’t remove them! They’ll eventually grow into full pandan plants and thicken your patch.
❌ Common Mistakes When Harvesting Pandan
| Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Pulling leaves by hand | Risk of uprooting plant or damaging crown |
| Cutting from the center | Slows overall growth |
| Overharvesting more than 50% | Plant gets stressed and turns yellow |
| Ignoring yellow/dry leaves | Affects airflow, increases fungal risk |
🔄 How Often Can You Harvest?
Once your pandan is mature and well-fed, you can:
- Harvest every 2–3 weeks
- Collect 3–5 leaves per harvest without stressing the plant
For container-grown pandan, harvest more conservatively.
📦 Can You Freeze Pandan Leaves?
Yes! Flatten them and roll in parchment paper or place in freezer bags. Great for:
- Teh pandan
- Bubur cha-cha
- Pandan jelly
They keep their aroma for up to 3 months in the freezer.
✍️ Final Tip: Don’t Just Harvest — Talk to Your Pandan!
Okay, maybe we’re joking (a bit), but plants do better when you give them attention. Observe your pandan weekly — check soil, remove weeds, and give it a little TLC.
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✅ Summary Checklist: Harvesting Pandan Leaves
✅ Cut outer leaves, not the center
✅ Use sharp, clean scissors
✅ Harvest in balance — not too many at once
✅ Feed and water regularly for regrowth
✅ Store fresh or freeze for long-term use
Got your own pandan hacks? Tag us on IG @projectharvest.my and let your pokok show off. 🌿💚