How To Harvest Lavender for Dried Bunches

There’s nothing quite like the scent of freshly harvested lavender filling the air. Whether you’re gathering lavender for personal use, selling dried bunches, or creating fragrant gifts, harvesting correctly ensures the best quality blooms that will last all season. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to harvest lavender for drying.

Step 1: Gripping the Blooms

Start by gently gathering a section of lavender blooms in your hand. We recommend beginning with the side blooms first (on either side of the plant), as they tend to be longer and easier to handle. After the sides are done, cut the blooms on top of the plant last.

Step 2: Cutting the Lavender

Using a serrated blade, such as a sickle, a pair of floral snips or sharp scissors, cut the section of lavender you’re holding. Aim to cut just above the woody growth, ensuring a clean cut that promotes healthy regrowth.

Step 3: Bundling the Stems

Once you’ve gathered a handful of lavender, secure the stems together at the base using a rubber band, twine, or a metal twist tie. Keeping the bunches neat and organized makes the drying process easier and ensures uniform, beautifully shaped bundles.

Step 4: Temporary Storage Before Collection

After securing the bunch with a rubber band, twine, or metal twist tie, place it on top of the harvested plant to await collection. This keeps the blooms clean and allows you to quickly see where your bunches are when you prepare to collect them. You’d be surprised how easy it is to miss a bundle when you go to gather them up to bring them inside, if they’re not left on top of the harvested plant.

Step 5: Collecting to Bring Inside for Drying

Once you’ve harvested enough or all bunches you’re able to get, gather them all and bring them indoors for drying. The ideal drying environment is dark, dry, and well-ventilated to preserve the fragrance and color of the blooms. Also, the warmer the better!

Step 6: Hanging the Lavender to Dry

Suspend the lavender bunches upside down from a rope or drying rack. A simple and effective way to hang them is by using a metal paperclip, hooking one end through the rubber band and the other over the drying line. Hanging helps with proper airflow around the stems and helps retain the lavender’s vibrant color.

Enjoy Your Dried Lavender!

After about two to four weeks, your lavender should be fully dried and ready to use. Whether you’re making sachets, wreaths, or simply enjoying the beauty and fragrance of dried lavender, this simple harvesting method will ensure high-quality, long-lasting blooms.

Dried lavender has so many wonderful uses! Use it in sachets to freshen up drawers and closets, craft beautiful wreaths or floral arrangements, infuse homemade soaps and candles, throw it in a vase to enjoy it in your home, or even brew a calming lavender tea. However you choose to enjoy it, your dried lavender will bring a touch of natural beauty and relaxation to your home all year long.

Happy Growing!

XX Jenn and Adam