Lavender is a popular fragrant herb, valued for its soothing aroma and diverse uses. The herb’s characteristic scent and therapeutic properties come from volatile essential oils contained within the tiny flower glands. To maximize the concentration of these oils and ensure the highest quality of the dried product, precise timing and technique during harvest and preservation are required. This guide provides the necessary steps for successfully harvesting and drying your lavender to retain its color and potent fragrance.
When to Harvest for Maximum Potency
The optimal time to harvest lavender is determined by the development stage of the flower spike, which influences the essential oil content. Look for a stage when the buds are fully colored, yet only the lower third to half of the individual florets have opened. Harvesting at this point ensures the highest concentration of aromatic compounds are locked inside the remaining closed buds, which are less likely to shed during drying compared to fully open flowers.
Timing the harvest by the hour is just as important. The best time to cut the stems is in the mid-morning, after the morning dew has completely evaporated from the foliage. This prevents excess moisture from causing mold during drying. Essential oil levels within the plant are at their peak during this morning period, before the heat of the day causes the oils to begin evaporating.
Tools and Cutting Technique
Using the correct tools and cutting method is necessary for a clean harvest and for the continued health of the lavender plant. Sharp, clean cutting tools, such as pruning shears, scissors, or a sickle for larger quantities, prevent crushing the delicate stems. A clean cut minimizes damage to the plant tissue and helps ensure a quick recovery.
When cutting, aim to take a generous length of stem, typically 6 to 10 inches, which provides material for bundling and hanging. All cuts should be made above the woody base of the plant, usually about one to two inches above the point where the new green growth begins. Cutting into the older, woody part of the plant can stress it and may hinder future growth.
Preparing Lavender for Preservation
Once the stems are cut, preparing them immediately for drying is the next step to lock in the fragrance. First, inspect the harvested stems and remove any damaged leaves, brown debris, or unwanted insects. This cleaning ensures that only the fragrant flower spikes are preserved and helps to maintain air circulation within the bundles.
The stems should then be gathered into small, manageable bundles. Each bundle should contain no more than 10 to 15 stems, or be kept to a maximum diameter of about one inch. Small bundle size is important, as dense bunches trap moisture and can easily lead to the development of mold or mildew. The base of each bundle should be secured firmly with twine or a rubber band. Rubber bands provide an advantage because they contract as the stems shrink during drying, maintaining a tight hold.
Proper Drying Environment and Storage
The actual drying process requires a specific environment to successfully preserve the oil and color. The bundles must be hung upside down, which helps the stems remain straight and directs any remaining essential oils downward toward the flower heads. This hanging location must be dark, dry, warm, and have continuous air circulation. Darkness is necessary to prevent ultraviolet light from bleaching the vibrant purple color and degrading the aromatic compounds.
Lavender typically requires between one and three weeks to dry completely, depending on the humidity and temperature of the chosen location. You can test for readiness by gently feeling the buds and stems; the lavender is fully dry when the stems snap easily and the flower buds readily crumble when rolled between your fingers.
Once dry, the flower buds should be separated from the stems and stored whole to maintain their potency. For long-term preservation, place the dried lavender buds into an airtight container, such as a glass jar or a metal tin. Store these containers in a cool, dark location away from heat and direct sunlight. When stored correctly, the dried lavender will retain a strong, usable fragrance for several months to a year.