Lavandula stoechas, commonly known as Spanish lavender, is distinguished by its unique flower structure featuring large, colorful bracts that resemble rabbit ears or butterfly wings. Harvesting this variety requires precise timing and technique to maximize the quality of the aromatic compounds and preserve its ornamental color. Unlike English lavender, Spanish lavender is frequently sought for its strong, sometimes minty or eucalyptus-like fragrance, making it ideal for sachets, potpourri, and decorative bundles. The goal is to capture the flower spikes at their peak potency and visual appeal before the volatile oils degrade.
Identifying the Peak Stage for Harvest
The optimal time to harvest Spanish lavender is determined by observing the small, true flowers located beneath the distinctive upper bracts. Harvesting should occur when approximately one-third to one-half of these tiny, lower florets have opened on the flower spike. At this mid-bloom stage, the concentration of essential oil within the flower calyxes is at its peak potency. Waiting until all the florets are fully open risks losing the volatile aromatic compounds as they begin to dissipate due to sun exposure and heat.
The colorful upper bracts, which provide the ornamental value, must be fully developed and vibrant before cutting. Harvesting before the true flowers fully open ensures maximum fragrance retention and prevents the buds from dropping, which can compromise the quality of the dried product. To maximize the essential oil content, always harvest in the early morning after the dew has dried but before the sun’s intense heat begins.
Essential Cutting Techniques
Harvesting requires using sharp, clean pruning shears or snips to ensure a clean cut that minimizes damage to the plant. A clean cut prevents jagged edges that can invite pests or diseases into the stem. When cutting, aim to remove the longest possible stems, which makes the lavender easier to bundle and dry later.
The cut must be strategically placed just above a set of leaves on the green, non-woody part of the plant. Avoid cutting into the old, woody base of the shrub. Lavender plants do not readily regenerate new growth from old wood, and cutting too far down can significantly damage the plant or even prevent its survival. As a general rule, remove the flower spike while leaving at least two sets of leaves below the cut to support rapid regrowth and future blooms.
Preparing and Preserving the Harvest
Immediately after cutting, the lavender stems should be gathered into small, loose bundles containing about 10 to 20 stems each. Securing the bundles with a rubber band is often preferred over twine, as the rubber band will contract to maintain tightness as the stems shrink during the drying process. The size of the bundle should allow for sufficient air circulation to prevent the development of mold or mildew.
The bundled stems must be hung upside down in a location that is cool, dry, and well-ventilated. Choosing a dark space, such as a closet or shaded attic, is necessary to protect the flowers from direct sunlight. Sunlight exposure will cause the vibrant purple color of the bracts and the potency of the essential oils to fade prematurely. Air drying typically takes between one and four weeks, depending on the ambient temperature and humidity levels. The lavender is fully dry when the stems snap easily and the flower buds feel brittle to the touch.
Encouraging Subsequent Blooms
Spanish lavender will often produce several flushes of blooms throughout the season if it is properly pruned immediately following the initial harvest. This post-harvest maintenance stimulates the plant to divert energy into new growth rather than seed production. The process involves deadheading, which means removing the spent flower stems back into the foliage, shaping the plant into a tidy mound.
During this shaping process, avoid cutting into the old, woody growth, as this inhibits the plant’s ability to produce new shoots for subsequent flowering. Following the major harvest and pruning, the plant may benefit from a light application of a low-nitrogen fertilizer and consistent watering to encourage the next round of growth.