The best time to harvest lavender for drying is crucial for preserving its vibrant color and, more importantly, its peak fragrance and essential oil content. Timing is everything!
Here's a breakdown of the ideal conditions and stage of bloom for harvesting lavender for drying:
1. The Right Time of Day:
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Early Morning: Always harvest in the early morning, right after the dew has evaporated but before the heat of the day sets in.
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Why: At this time, the essential oils within the lavender flowers are most concentrated, meaning the fragrance will be strongest in your dried product. High temperatures and direct sun cause these volatile oils to evaporate.
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2. The Right Stage of Bloom:
This is the most important factor for maximizing fragrance and color retention for drying.
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When to Harvest: The ideal time is when the flower buds are fully formed and showing color, but only about one-third to one-half (25-50%) of the individual flowers on each spike have actually opened.
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Why: At this "budding" or "just opening" stage, the essential oil content is at its peak. If you wait until all the flowers are fully open, some of the oils will have already started to dissipate, and the flowers may drop their petals more easily during drying. Harvesting too early means the oils haven't fully developed.
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Visual Cue: Look for plump buds, with only a few of the lowest flowers on the spike having fully emerged. The overall color of the flower spike should be rich and vibrant.
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3. General Timing by Season:
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Mid-to-Late Spring/Early Summer: Depending on your specific climate and the lavender variety, this typically falls from late spring through mid-summer.
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For many English lavenders (Lavandula angustifolia), this might be late June or early July.
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For Lavandin varieties (Lavandula x intermedia), which often bloom later, it could be mid to late July.
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Keep a close eye on your plants as their bloom period approaches.
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How to Harvest for Drying:
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Tools: Use sharp, clean pruning shears or scissors to make clean cuts.
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Cutting Technique:
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Gather stems into small bundles (the size of your hand or small fist).
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Cut the stems relatively long, just above the first or second set of leaves below the flower spike. Avoid cutting into the old, woody parts of the plant, as this can hinder future growth.
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This harvesting process also doubles as a beneficial prune for the plant, encouraging bushy growth and potentially a second flush of blooms later in the season.
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Preparation for Drying:
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Remove most of the leaves from the lower portion of the stems. This speeds up drying and prevents mold.
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Gather the cut stems into small bundles (no larger than your fist to ensure good airflow).
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Secure the bundles with a rubber band (which will tighten as the stems shrink during drying) or twine.
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Hang the bundles upside down in a cool, dark, dry place with good air circulation. Direct sunlight will fade the color and reduce fragrance. A barn, attic, closet, or spare room away from windows works well.
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Drying typically takes 2-4 weeks, depending on humidity. You'll know it's dry when the stems snap easily and the flowers feel crispy to the touch.
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By following these guidelines, you'll ensure your dried lavender retains maximum fragrance, color, and potency for all your culinary, craft, or aromatic needs.
Lavender Farm in Door County Wisconsin. You can buy lavender products online at islandlavender.com