How to Harvest and Dry Lavender
Lavender is one of those versatile plants that is grown for the aesthetics, color, aroma, flavor and medicinal purposes. Dried lavender is used in teas, bath oils and sachets. Dried stalks of lavender are also used in floral arrangements and decorative crafts. The dried lavender flowers are used to flavor cooking oils. The way you harvest and dry lavender depends upon how you use the dried herb. Avoid direct sunlight when drying lavender and always provide plenty of air circulation to the drying stalks and flowers. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Pruning shears
- Rubber bands
- Raffia or twine
- Drying screen
- Brown paper
- Airtight container
Instructions
-
-
1
Harvest lavender when the flowers just appear to change color. If the flowers are open when you harvest the lavender, they fall off the stems while drying. Harvest during a dry part of the season.
-
2
Cut the lavender stems as close to the ground as possible during the early morning, after the dew dries. Long stems work well for crafts or for making flavored and scented oils. Wet lavender stems cause the flowers to turn brown as they dry.
-
-
3
Bundle the lavender stems together at one end and secure them with a rubber band. Lavender stalks shrink as they dry. Tied with raffia or twine, the dried stalks slip out of the binding. Rubber bands contract as the stems lose moisture. For a decorative look, tie the raffia or twine over the rubber bands.
-
4
Hang the lavender bundles in a dark area with good ventilation. You must keep air circulating to prevent the flowers from developing mold. If there is not a good cross-flow of air, use a fan set on the lowest setting.
-
5
Remove lavender flowers from the stems by gently pinching the tip of the flower stalk between your forefinger and thumb and sliding down the stem. Spread the flower buds onto a screen and place in a dark, well-ventilated area.
-
6
Store the dried lavender stems in the bundles. Cover with brown paper to keep dust off the lavender. Keep the dried lavender flowers in an airtight container until ready for use.
-
1
References
- Photo Credit Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
