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Lavender flowers, known for their delicate structure and enchanting fragrance, are simple to dry and preserve. They are often used to craft aromatic sachets or as part of dried floral decorations. To dry lavender effectively, it's essential to harvest the blooms at the peak of their vibrancy, when their color is most vivid and their scent is most potent. Drying can be done either in a dark room or under direct sunlight, depending on the intended use. This article provides detailed instructions on two distinct methods for drying lavender flowers.
Steps
Drying Lavender in a Dark Room
Harvest lavender before the flowers fully bloom. Cut the lavender stems at the base when the buds have just begun to open. This ensures that the dried flowers retain their vibrant purple hue and strong aromatic scent.
Trim mature lavender flowers just above the leaves. Aim for the longest possible stems. While harvesting lavender, pruning the plant helps it thrive better during the winter season.
- The plant needs its leaves and stems to continue growing after harvesting, so avoid cutting into them.
Gather lavender into bundles. Once you’ve collected a handful of lavender, bundle them together. Gently tap the stems against your hand to align and tidy up the bundle.
Secure the stems with a rubber band. Tie the lavender into bundles with a maximum diameter of 2cm to ensure even drying and prevent mold growth. Wrap the rubber band tightly around the base of the stems. Continue wrapping until the stems are firmly secured but not crushed.
- Using rubber bands instead of fabric or ribbon prevents the stems from slipping as they shrink during the drying process.
Find a shaded area to dry the lavender. Drying lavender in the shade is the best way to preserve its color, as sunlight can fade the vibrant purple hue. Look for a dry, dark, and sunless spot, such as a shed, garage, or shaded area under an awning.
Hang the lavender bundles upside down. Loop part of the rubber band over a hook or nail. You can also attach an additional string to the rubber band and then hook it onto a support to hang the lavender.
Allow lavender to dry for 2-4 weeks. Check regularly to determine when the lavender is dry. When you gently touch the flowers, they will fall off the stem. You can keep the flowers on the stem or remove them to create sachets or use in baking.
Dry Lavender Under Direct Sunlight
Harvest lavender. Harvest as soon as the buds begin to open. Cut at the base of the flower stem to retain as much stem as possible.
Place lavender on a wooden block. It is better to use a large board or wooden piece for drying under the sun. If you use a metal tray, the lavender may overheat; if you use plastic, it could melt and damage the lavender.
Place lavender in a sunny spot. Position the board or wooden piece in a sunny area, either indoors or outdoors. Drying lavender this way is faster than in the dark, but the sunlight will cause the purple color of the flowers to fade.
- If you live in a rainy area, dry lavender indoors near a sunny window or outside but bring it inside immediately when clouds appear.
Allow the sun to completely dry the lavender flowers. It typically takes about a week for the lavender to dry. Check every few days to see if the lavender is dry. Once dried, the flowers will easily fall off the stems.
Tips
- If you tie the string loosely, you can reuse it multiple times.
- Lavender can deter moths, so hanging it in your closet not only keeps your clothes smelling fresh but also prevents insects from damaging them.
- The drying time depends on the weather. If you live in a humid area, it may take longer to dry the lavender.
