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Food-safe hemp cooking twine or untreated linen cord is best. Both are free of coatings or synthetics, making them safe to use with rosemary, thyme, sage and other culinary herbs.
Best Twine for Tying Herbs and Flowers
Eco-friendly, biodegradable string for herb bundles and floral packaging
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Fresh herbs and flowers need careful handling to stay appealing. A well-tied bundle keeps herbs and flowers fresh, protects them during transport and gives them a professional look for market or home use. The right twine also adds style, giving herb bundles or bouquets the rustic look that many customers expect.
Not every string is suited for this work. Rubber bands, plastic ties and nylon cords are convenient, but they create waste and often bruise delicate stems. Natural fibers such as hemp and linen provide a safer and more sustainable solution. They are strong enough to hold herbs in bunches or flowers in bouquets, yet soft enough not to cut into the stems. Because they are biodegradable and compostable, they can be discarded along with plant material at the end of their use.
We shaped this guide to highlight why the choice of twine matters, which natural options perform best and how to bundle herbs and flowers for both storage and presentation. Along the way, you’ll see practical methods for tying bunches and ideas for rustic packaging that appeal to modern buyers.
For larger-scale growing and packaging, visit our Farm & Agriculture Applications page.
For larger-scale growing and packaging, visit our Farm & Agriculture Applications page.
Table of Contents:
Why the Right Twine Matters for Herbs & Flowers
Tying herbs and flowers may look simple, but the twine you choose affects freshness, safety and presentation. For herbs like rosemary, thyme or sage, the string must be food-safe, so it doesn’t introduce chemicals when used in cooking or drying. Bundles of oregano or lavender for drying also require twine that holds firm for weeks without fraying or slipping.
Types of Twine and Yarn for Bundling
The choice of twine for herbs and flowers goes beyond appearance. It has to address food safety, moisture exposure, storage conditions and even consumer expectations for sustainable packaging. Here’s how different materials compare:
Jute Twine
Jute is low-cost and often sold as “natural,” but its loose fibers absorb moisture quickly. When used on fresh herbs, it can harbor mold or mildew and break down long before the drying process is complete. For flowers, jute frays easily and creates a rough presentation. While biodegradable, it is not dependable for professional use.
Cotton Twine
Cotton is soft and gentle, which protects delicate stems, but its performance is inconsistent. Cotton fibers stretch under load, so herb bundles loosen as they dry, and bouquets lose their shape during handling. Because cotton retains water, it can encourage mold growth in humid storage or greenhouse environments. It is compostable, but its lack of durability limits its value in commercial applications.
Synthetic Strings (Nylon or Polypropylene)
Synthetic cords are strong and resist weathering, but they come with major drawbacks. They are not biodegradable, cannot be composted with plant waste and often leave behind microplastics. Thin synthetic strings can cut into herb stems, leaving marks that reduce quality. They also fail the “food-safe” test, which rules them out for herbs intended for cooking or packaging.
Hemp Twine
Hemp stands out as a dependable, food-safe option for both herbs and flowers. Its natural fibers have mild antibacterial properties, which help reduce the risk of mold during drying. Hemp retains tensile strength in humid environments, keeping rosemary, thyme, basil and sage bundles intact for weeks. For flowers, hemp offers a rustic aesthetic while being gentle enough to avoid bruising stems. Fully biodegradable and compostable, it eliminates waste at the end of its use.
Linen Cord
Linen is considered the premium choice for bundling. Its fibers are smooth, which prevents abrasion on delicate stems, yet exceptionally strong under tension. Linen resists mold and mildew even in damp storage, so it is reliable for herbs destined for drying or for bouquets held in transit. Because it is safe for direct food contact, it can be used with culinary herbs without concern. Linen also delivers a refined, natural look that elevates presentation for premium markets, florists or artisanal packaging.
Hemptique Twine for Tying Herbs and Flowers
Hemptique offers hemp and linen products specifically suited for tying herbs, bundling flowers and creating rustic packaging that appeals to today’s eco-conscious buyers.
Those who want a more decorative or rustic appearance can choose from hemp yarn balls and colored hemp cords. These options bring character to farmers’ market displays, CSA packaging or artisanal floral sets while still being biodegradable and compostable.
Every Hemptique product is plant-based, biodegradable and compostable, combining practical performance with sustainable values. For more applications in agriculture and packaging, visit our Farm & Agriculture Applications page.
Recommended Products for Tying Herbs
HEMP TWINE
HEMP CORD (100LB & 170LB)
CRAFT & GARDENING HEMP CORD
#20 (1MM) HEMP CORD
HEMP yarn
HEMP CORD KILO SPOOLS
PREMIUM LINEN CORD
SOY WAXED LINEN CORD
LINEN YARN SINGLE PLY
How to Tie and Bundle Herbs or Flowers
Whether preparing rosemary for drying, basil for market or flowers for bouquets, the method matters as much as the twine.
Step 1 – Harvest at the Right Stage
Cut herbs in the morning after the dew has dried, when essential oils are most concentrated. For flowers, harvest when petals have just opened but before they reach full bloom to extend vase life.
Step 2 – Prepare Stems
Remove excess leaves near the base of the stems. For herbs that will be dried, make sure stems are clean and dry before tying to avoid mold.
Step 3 – Measure and Cut Twine
Cut a piece of hemp or linen twine long enough to wrap around the stems two or three times with room left for a knot or bow. Food-safe hemp cooking twine works best for culinary herbs, while linen cord is ideal for floral bundles.
Step 4 – Wrap and Secure
Hold the stems together evenly, wrap the twine snugly but not too tight, and tie a secure knot. For drying herbs, leave a small loop so the bundle can be hung upside down in a dry, ventilated place. For flowers, finish with a bow or double knot for a rustic presentation.
Step 5 – Add Packaging if Needed
For market or gift bundles, slide herbs into kraft paper sleeves or wrap bouquets in paper. Finish with hemp or linen twine tied neatly around the outside. This not only secures the bundle but also adds a natural, eco-friendly presentation.
Rustic Packaging Inspiration
For market or gift bundles, slide herbs into kraft paper sleeves or wrap bouquets in paper. Finish with hemp or linen twine tied neatly around the outside. This not only secures the bundle but also adds a natural, eco-friendly presentation.
- Herb Bundles – Kraft paper sleeves tied with hemp twine give rosemary, thyme and sage a simple, artisanal appearance.
- Dried Herbs – Glass jars or paper bags sealed with linen cord or hemp yarn add a decorative accent and secure closure.
- Fresh Bouquets – Stems wrapped in kraft paper and tied with linen cord create a polished, natural look suited for farmers’ markets or boutique florists.
- Color Accents – Colored hemp cord introduces subtle style while still maintaining a sustainable, biodegradable package.
By pairing biodegradable twine with recyclable paper or glass, growers and florists achieve secure, attractive packaging that supports both presentation and sustainability.
Why Choose Hemp and Linen for Herb & Flower Bundling
Herb and flower bundles demand more from twine than basic strength. The material has to be food-safe, resist moisture and look presentable at the same time. Hemp and linen fibers meet these requirements and outperform alternatives such as jute or synthetics.
- Food-Safe for Culinary Herbs – Hemp and linen twines are uncoated and free from synthetic additives, which makes them safe for direct contact with rosemary, thyme, sage or basil. They can be used for fresh bundles, dried herbs or even in the kitchen without risk of contamination.
- Mold and Mildew Resistance – Both fibers breathe naturally and do not trap moisture, reducing the chance of mold growth during drying or storage. This is a critical advantage over cotton or jute, which often retain water.
- Durability in All Conditions – Hemp and linen maintain tensile strength in humidity, transport and long drying periods. Bundles stay tight and bouquets hold their form until they reach the customer.
- Gentle on Stems – The smooth texture of linen and the balanced grip of hemp secure stems without cutting or bruising them, preserving both freshness and appearance.
- Biodegradable and Compostable – After use, herb and flower bundles can be composted with their twine intact, leaving no plastic waste behind. This simplifies cleanup and supports zero-waste goals.
- Rustic, Natural Appearance – Beyond performance, hemp and linen cords enhance presentation. Their natural look communicates quality and aligns with eco-friendly branding at markets, CSA programs and floral shops.
Together, hemp and linen provide growers, florists and home users with packaging materials that are safe, effective and aligned with sustainable practices.
Looking Ahead in Herb and Flower Packaging
Herbs and flowers are judged as much by presentation as by freshness. A secure tie keeps bundles neat, but the material used sends a message. Natural hemp and linen twines carry advantages that extend beyond immediate use. They align with stricter regulations on plastics, respond to consumer demand for compostable packaging and reduce cleanup for growers at the end of each season.
For dried herbs such as rosemary or thyme, hemp and linen resist mold while holding tight through weeks of curing. For fresh bouquets, they provide a secure grip that won’t bruise stems and a natural appearance that fits modern rustic or eco-friendly styles. Unlike synthetics, they can be composted with leftover stems, closing the loop in a way that supports zero-waste initiatives and organic certifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of twine is safe for tying herbs used in cooking?
Can the same twine be used for fresh herbs and dried herbs?
Yes. Hemp and linen twines hold firm during drying without loosening and they also resist mold when fresh herbs still contain moisture.
Will natural twine leave fibers or residue on herbs?
High-quality hemp and linen cords are tightly spun and smooth. They hold stems securely without shedding fibers into bundles.
Is twine better than rubber bands for bundling herbs?
Yes. Rubber bands can bruise stems, cut off airflow, and are not compostable. Twine allows stems to breathe, prevents damage and composts with plant waste.
What’s the best string for tying bouquets or flower bundles?
Linen cord is often preferred for flowers because of its smooth finish and strength. Hemp twine is excellent for rustic presentation, especially in kraft paper wraps.
What’s the best string for tying bouquets orflower bundles?
Hemp and linen twines are fully biodegradable. They can be composted with stems, leaves and paper packaging, leaving no plastic residue.
Does twine affect how herbs dry?
Yes. Breathable twine like hemp and linen allows air circulation around the stems, which speeds drying and reduces the chance of mold.
How much twine do I need for herb or flower bundles?
A small ball of hemp twine or linen cord can tie dozens of bundles. For farm-scale operations or CSA programs, bulk spools reduce re-cutting and save time.
Can twine be used to tie herb bundles for hanging upside down?
Yes. Hemp twine is strong enough to hold multiple bunches suspended during the drying process without stretching or breaking.
Does the color of the twine matter for herbs and flowers?
Natural beige and off-white cords provide a rustic look, while dyed hemp cords add decorative accents. For food use, uncolored natural cords are recommended.