How to Harvest Lavender: Picking and Preserving Lavender Flowers

Lavender (Lavandula) is a versatile and aromatic plant known for its beautiful flowers and fragrant scent. Harvesting lavender at the right time and in the proper way ensures the highest quality of flowers and oils, which can be used for various purposes including crafting, cooking, and creating essential oils. In this guide, we’ll explore the process of harvesting lavender, from choosing the best time to harvest to tips for preserving the flowers and how to use them afterward.

When to Harvest Lavender

One of the most critical factors in harvesting lavender is timing. Harvesting too early or too late can impact the quality of the lavender’s fragrance and oil. Generally, lavender is ready for harvest once it starts blooming, but the optimal harvest time depends on what you plan to use the lavender for.

Harvesting for Essential Oil

If you’re harvesting lavender to extract essential oils, it’s best to do so when the flowers are about one-third to one-half open. At this stage, the concentration of essential oils in the buds is at its peak. Essential oils are extracted from the flower buds, and harvesting when the flowers are partially open ensures the oils are at their most potent and fragrant.

Harvesting for Dried Bundles and Sachets

If you want to harvest lavender for dried flower bundles, sachets, or other decorative purposes, the ideal time is when most of the flowers on the stem are open. This ensures that the blooms remain intact and retain their color and fragrance when dried. The flowers should still be vibrant and not past their prime, as overripe flowers will lose their fragrance more quickly after drying.

Harvesting for Culinary Uses

Lavender is also commonly used in culinary applications. When harvesting lavender for cooking or making lavender-infused sugars, syrups, or teas, it is best to harvest the flowers when they are fully open. This allows the flavor to be more pronounced and aromatic.

Tools Needed for Harvesting Lavender

To properly harvest lavender, you’ll need a few simple tools:

• Sharp Pruners or Scissors: A sharp pair of pruners or scissors will help you cleanly cut through the lavender stems without crushing or damaging the plant. Ensure that your tools are clean and sterilized before harvesting to avoid spreading any diseases.
• Basket or Bucket: A basket or bucket is handy for collecting your cut lavender stems. Ensure it’s clean and dry, as moisture can cause mold or mildew on freshly harvested lavender.
• Twine or Rubber Bands: If you plan to dry your lavender, twine or rubber bands will help bundle the stems together.

How to Harvest Lavender Step-by-Step

Harvesting lavender is a simple process that involves selecting the right time, cutting the stems carefully, and handling them in a way that preserves their fragrance and appearance. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Select the Right Time of Day

Harvest lavender in the morning after the dew has evaporated but before the heat of the day sets in. The oils in the lavender are at their most concentrated early in the day, making this the best time for harvesting. Avoid harvesting in the late afternoon or during high heat, as the oils may have diminished slightly.

Check for Bloom Stage

Assess the lavender plant and decide what you’re harvesting for. As mentioned earlier, if you’re harvesting for essential oils, aim for when the flowers are partially open. If you’re harvesting for dried bundles or culinary use, wait until the flowers are fully open but not overripe.

Cut the Stems

Using sharp pruners or scissors, cut the lavender stems just above the woody part of the plant, leaving a few inches of green growth. This will encourage the plant to grow back healthier and produce more flowers. Aim to cut stems about 8 to 12 inches (20-30 cm) long, as this will provide you with enough length for bundling and hanging the lavender to dry.

Bundle the Stems

Once you’ve harvested a good number of stems, bundle them together using twine or rubber bands. Ensure the bundles are tight enough that the stems won’t slip out as they dry, but not so tight that you crush the flowers. Smaller bundles tend to dry more evenly and prevent the risk of mold forming during the drying process.

Hang the Lavender to Dry

After bundling, hang the lavender upside down in a dry, dark place with good airflow. Hanging lavender upside down helps maintain its shape and ensures the essential oils flow toward the flowers. The drying process usually takes about 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the humidity and temperature of your drying area. Once the lavender is dry, the flowers will feel crisp, and the stems will snap easily.

Tips for Harvesting Lavender

• Don’t Overharvest: Be careful not to overharvest lavender, especially if it’s a newly planted shrub. In the first year, focus on light harvesting to allow the plant to establish strong roots.
• Leave Some Flowers for Pollinators: Lavender is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. If you’re able to, leave some flowers on the plant for these beneficial insects to enjoy.
• Consider Successive Harvesting: Lavender can often be harvested multiple times during the growing season, depending on the variety and growing conditions. If you prune your lavender correctly after the first flush of blooms, you may be able to get a second, smaller harvest later in the season.

Preserving Lavender After Harvesting

Once you’ve harvested and dried your lavender, you can store it for later use in various ways. Here are some preservation tips:

• Store in Airtight Containers: To preserve dried lavender’s fragrance and potency, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Glass jars, metal tins, or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids work well.
• Keep Out of Sunlight: Sunlight can cause dried lavender to lose its color and fragrance more quickly. Avoid storing it in direct sunlight or in areas with high humidity.
• Use Sachets for Small Amounts: If you’re using lavender for potpourri or drawer sachets, place the dried lavender flowers in small muslin or fabric bags. These can be placed in closets, drawers, or linen cabinets to impart a pleasant fragrance.

Using Harvested Lavender

Now that you’ve harvested and dried your lavender, there are countless ways to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Here are some ideas for using harvested lavender:

Essential Oils

If you’ve harvested lavender for essential oil production, you’ll need a steam distillation kit to extract the oils. Lavender essential oil is incredibly versatile and can be used in aromatherapy, homemade skincare products, cleaning solutions, and much more.

Dried Lavender Bundles

Dried lavender bundles are perfect for decorative purposes. They add a rustic, fragrant touch to homes and can be placed in vases, wreaths, or used as gifts.

Lavender Sachets

Fill small sachets with dried lavender flowers and use them to scent drawers, closets, or linens. Lavender sachets are also great for promoting relaxation when placed under a pillow or used in an eye pillow during meditation.

Culinary Uses

Dried lavender can be used in cooking and baking. It pairs well with both sweet and savory dishes, including cakes, cookies, syrups, and roasted meats. It can also be used to flavor honey, lemonade, and teas.

Lavender Crafts

Lavender can be incorporated into crafts such as soap making, candle making, and homemade bath salts. The fragrance of lavender provides a calming element, making these products ideal for relaxation and self-care routines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Harvest Lavender After It Has Bloomed?

Yes, you can harvest lavender after it has bloomed, but the best time is when the flowers are partially open. Harvesting after full bloom is still possible, but the lavender’s essential oil and fragrance will be less potent, and the flowers may not retain their color and scent as well when dried.

When Should Lavender Be Picked?

Lavender should be picked when about one-third to one-half of the flowers on each stem have opened. This is when the essential oils are at their peak, offering the strongest fragrance and best quality for both fresh use and drying.

Where Do You Cut Lavender When Harvesting?

When harvesting lavender, cut the stems just above the first set of leaves, leaving some green growth on the plant. Avoid cutting into the woody part of the plant, as lavender does not regrow well from old wood. Use sharp pruners or scissors for a clean cut.

What Does Lavender Look Like When Ready to Harvest?

When ready to harvest, lavender will have buds that are partially open, with vibrant color and fragrance. The stems will be long and sturdy, and the flowers should be fresh and full without signs of wilting or browning.

What Happens If You Don’t Prune Lavender?

If you don’t prune lavender, the plant can become woody, leggy, and sparse over time. It may produce fewer flowers and be more prone to splitting or collapsing. Regular pruning helps maintain the plant’s shape, encourages healthy new growth, and prolongs the plant’s lifespan.