Dried lavender retains its fragrance, making it a popular botanical for household use long after harvest. The drying process concentrates the natural aromatic compounds, resulting in a scent that is often deeper, earthier, and more intense than the fresh flower. This preserved fragrance is held within the plant structures, allowing the dried material to release its characteristic aroma for a significant period. The scent’s longevity depends on the compounds responsible for the aroma and how the dried buds are handled and stored.
The Volatile Compounds That Create Lavender’s Aroma
The distinctive perfume of lavender originates from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) stored within microscopic glandular hairs on the flower and leaves. The two most prominent compounds contributing to the classic floral scent are Linalool and Linalyl Acetate.
Linalool, a naturally occurring alcohol, typically makes up 33% to 53% of the essential oil composition and provides a light, floral note. Linalyl Acetate, an ester, contributes a sweet, herbaceous, and fruity element, often present in concentrations ranging from 10% to over 45%. During drying, water evaporates from the plant material, but the oil-filled glands remain intact. This moisture loss effectively concentrates the essential oils, which is why properly dried lavender has a potent and enduring fragrance.
How Long Dried Lavender Retains Its Scent
The duration for which dried lavender maintains a noticeable fragrance is highly variable, generally ranging from six months to two years. The first year offers the most potent aroma before the scent gradually wanes as volatile molecules escape into the air.
Scent loss is accelerated by exposure to environmental factors that encourage essential oils to evaporate or degrade. Direct sunlight is damaging, as UV radiation breaks down aromatic compounds and fades the purple color. Heat and air exposure also hasten evaporation, diminishing the fragrance rapidly.
Excess humidity can lead to mold development, replacing the floral scent with a musty odor. To maximize longevity, dried lavender should be kept in a cool, dark, and dry environment. Storing the buds in an airtight container, such as a glass jar or sealed tin, dramatically slows the rate of oil evaporation.
Simple Methods to Reinvigorate Faded Aroma
When the fragrance of dried lavender fades, straightforward techniques can release the remaining trapped essential oils. The most direct method involves gently crushing or squeezing the dried flower buds, often called “waking up the scent.” This physical action breaks open the remaining oil glands, providing a fresh burst of aroma.
For sachets or potpourri, rolling the material between your palms or giving the sachet a firm shake achieves this effect. A light misting of plain water can also help by temporarily increasing the local humidity around the buds, encouraging the surface oils to volatilize. Avoid soaking the material, as this introduces the risk of mold.
Alternatively, enhance the existing scent by adding a few drops of pure lavender essential oil to the dried material. Adding two drops of oil per tablespoon of faded buds and sealing them in a bag for 24 hours boosts the perceived aroma. This process coats the buds with fresh essential oil, allowing them to release a renewed fragrance.
Common Household Applications of Dried Lavender
Dried lavender is widely used in the home for its pleasant scent. The most popular application is creating small sachets, which are fabric pouches filled with the dried buds. These are placed in drawers, closets, or linen cupboards to impart a gentle fragrance to clothing and bedding.
The strong aroma of the concentrated oils acts as a natural deterrent for moths and other common household pests, making sachets a favored alternative to chemical repellents. Dried lavender buds are also a classic component in potpourri mixtures, blended with other botanicals to create decorative, fragrant displays.
Lavender is frequently used in dried floral arrangements and wreaths, combining visual appeal with the subtle scent. Placing small pouches of dried lavender under a pillow or near a bedside table is a traditional practice intended to support relaxation and encourage restful sleep.