French lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is recognizable by the distinctive tufts of petal-like bracts on its flower heads, often called “bunny ears”. This Mediterranean species blooms from late spring well into autumn. Unlike English lavender, French lavender possesses a more aromatic, woodsy, or slightly resinous fragrance. Successful harvesting requires precision and timing to preserve its essential oils and maximize yield.
Identifying the Ideal Time for Cutting
The concentration of essential oils dictates the optimal harvest window. Cut the stems when the flower spike is fully developed and vibrant, but before all individual flowers have opened. Aim to harvest when one-third to one-half of the buds are showing color or have just opened. Harvesting at this stage captures peak oil content before the flowers mature and the oil dissipates.
The time of day is just as important as the stage of bloom for maximizing fragrance. Essential oils are most concentrated in the plant early in the morning. The ideal moment to begin harvesting is mid-morning, after the overnight dew has completely evaporated but before the intense heat of midday warms the flowers. High temperatures can cause the essential oils to evaporate, leading to a less potent dried product.
French lavender has an extended bloom cycle, typically flowering continuously from May through September. This allows for multiple harvests throughout the growing season. By consistently removing spent or ready flower spikes, you encourage the plant to produce new growth and subsequent blooms.
Essential Tools and Cutting Technique
To ensure a clean, precise cut that minimizes stress on the plant, use sharp, clean bypass shears or snips. Dull tools can crush the stems and introduce pathogens, which may hinder the plant’s recovery. Sanitizing your cutting tools before and after use helps maintain the health of your lavender subshrub.
When making the cut, the goal is to take a long stem while simultaneously shaping the plant for future growth. Cut the stems as long as possible, which will make bunching and drying simpler. The cut should be made high on the stem, leaving at least two sets of leaves below the cut point on the soft, green growth.
Avoid cutting into the thick, woody base of the plant, often referred to as “old wood.” Unlike many herbaceous perennials, lavender does not readily regenerate from this woody tissue, and cutting into it can stunt the plant. By cutting into the green growth, you promote the branching and bushiness that leads to robust, healthy growth and a higher yield in the next flowering cycle.
Harvesting is an opportune time to lightly prune and shape the French lavender plant, encouraging air circulation and preventing the center from becoming too dense. As you harvest, try to maintain a rounded, mounded shape across the top of the plant. This practice of simultaneous harvesting and shaping ensures a continuous supply of aromatic blooms throughout the season.
Post-Harvest Processing and Drying
Once the stems are cut, immediately prepare them to ensure the essential oil content remains concentrated within the flower heads. Remove any small, leafy side shoots or foliage from the lower portion of each stem. This step accelerates the drying process and minimizes the risk of mold developing, as leaves contain more moisture than the flowers.
The prepared stems should be gathered into small, loose bundles, ideally containing no more than 15 to 20 stems. Secure the bundles tightly at the base of the stems using a rubber band or natural twine. Using a rubber band is effective as it contracts with the stems, maintaining a consistent grip as the material shrinks during drying.
The drying location is important for preserving vibrant color and potent aroma. Hang the small bundles upside down in a cool, dark, dry area with excellent air circulation. Direct sunlight bleaches the purple color, and high humidity or poor ventilation encourages mold growth, which ruins the harvest.
Drying typically takes two to four weeks, depending on the ambient humidity. Lavender is fully dry when the stems snap cleanly rather than bending, and the flower buds feel crisp. Once dry, strip the flower buds from the stems and store them in an airtight container, such as a glass jar, away from light and heat to maintain fragrance.