Lavender: How to Harvest, Dry and Store It
Do you grow lavender in your garden or on your terrace and wish to enjoy its fragrance and benefits all year round? The secret lies in proper harvesting and timing, careful drying, and correct storage. Here’s how to do it.
Early Summer Is the Perfect Time to Harvest
Harvest lavender in July and August, just before the flowers fully bloom. At this stage, they contain the highest concentration of active compounds, and the blossoms are less likely to fall off.
Choose a dry, sunny day and carefully cut the stems using garden shears. You can harvest both the flowers and the leafy stems, cutting just above the woody part of the plant.
Proper Drying Is Essential
After harvesting, it’s important to dry lavender correctly to preserve its beauty and fragrance throughout the year. Tie the stems into small bundles and hang them upside down in a dry, shaded, and well-ventilated place.
If you don’t have a suitable space, you can also dry lavender at an artificial temperature of up to 35°C (95°F). The drying process should be slow and gradual.
Storing Lavender for Year-Round Use
Once thoroughly dried, gently rub off the flowers and remove any impurities. Store dried lavender in fabric sachets or glass jars in a dark place.
If you plan to use it as decoration, you can keep whole bundles stored in a box.
Dried lavender is perfect for preparing herbal teas and lemonades, making natural cosmetics, or creating beautiful home decorations.
