There’s something uniquely special about lavender; few flowers and herbs can compare to its versatility and utility.
Whether you grow it in your garden or pick up a fresh bundle at your local farmer’s market, lavender presents many creative opportunities for your home and kitchen.
Trust me, the gorgeous purple blooms and soothing fragrance make it an herb that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Enjoy the fresh blooms in your garden, and then prepare to preserve your harvest for syrups, crafts, scrubs, and more!
In this post, I’ll show you exactly how to dry fresh lavender step by step so you can enjoy its many uses year-round.
The Best Time to Harvest Lavender
Drying lavender starts with proper harvesting. As the popular saying goes, timing is everything.
The timing of your harvest can impact the fragrance and even the appearance of your dried bundles.
The ideal time to harvest lavender is in the morning, after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day sets in.
Look for stems where most buds have formed but haven’t fully opened yet. This is when the essential oils are at their peak, giving you the most fragrant and long-lasting dried lavender.
If you wait too long and the flowers are in full bloom, they may drop off during the drying process or lose some of their fragrance. Cutting earlier helps preserve both their scent, beauty, and shape.
What You’ll Need to Dry Lavender
Before you get started, gather a few simple supplies. You likely already have most of these at home:
- Fresh lavender stems
- Sharp scissors or garden shears
- Rubber bands or twine
- Paper bags (optional, but helpful)
- A dark, dry space with good air circulation
- Hooks, drying rack, or hangers
That’s really all you need to begin the drying process.
Method 1: Air Drying (The Traditional and Easiest Method)
Air drying is the most common way to preserve lavender. It requires no special equipment and does an excellent job of maintaining both the scent and structure of the blooms.
Here’s how to air dry lavender:
- Gather into bundles: Group 10 to 15 stems together. Don’t make the bundles too thick; good airflow is important to prevent mold.
- Secure the stems: Use a rubber band or piece of twine to tightly tie the base of each bundle. As the stems dry, they’ll shrink slightly, so be sure your tie is secure.
- Hang upside down: Hang your bundles upside down in a dark, well-ventilated space. Closets, pantries, or an unused corner of a room work perfectly. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as too much light can cause the blooms to fade.
- Allow to dry: The drying process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks depending on the humidity in your home. You’ll know the lavender is fully dry when the stems feel brittle and snap easily.
Air drying produces beautifully preserved lavender with vibrant color and strong fragrance — perfect for decor or craft projects.
Method 2: Drying Lavender Flat
If hanging space is limited, drying lavender flat is an easy alternative. I’ve done this many times.
How to do it:
- Spread the lavender stems out in a single layer on a mesh screen, drying rack, or even a clean kitchen towel.
- Place the tray in a dark, dry spot with good airflow.
- Every couple of days, gently turn the stems to encourage even drying on all sides.
- After about 1 to 2 weeks, your lavender should be dry and ready to store.
This method works especially well if you’re drying just a few stems at a time or if you’re short on vertical space.
Method 3: Using a Dehydrator
For those who want to dry lavender more quickly or have large quantities to process, a dehydrator can be a useful tool.
Steps for dehydrator drying:
- Set your dehydrator to its lowest temperature setting (ideally between 95°F to 115°F).
- Arrange lavender stems in a single layer on the dehydrator trays.
- Check after about 1 to 2 hours; depending on humidity levels, it may take up to 4 hours for the lavender to fully dry.
- Monitor closely to avoid overdrying, which can cause the buds to become brittle and lose some of their scent.
While a dehydrator speeds up the process, it’s not always necessary unless you’re processing very large harvests.
How to Tell When Lavender is Fully Dry
No matter which drying method you choose, you’ll want to be sure your lavender is fully dried before storing it.
Signs that your lavender is ready:
- The stems snap cleanly when bent.
- The buds feel dry and slightly brittle, but still fragrant.
- There’s no hint of moisture remaining in the flowers or stems.
If your lavender feels even slightly soft, allow it to dry a little longer to prevent mold during storage.
Storing Dried Lavender
Once your lavender is fully dry, it’s time to store it properly to protect its color and scent.
Storage tips:
- For decor: Leave the stems intact and arrange them in a vase or bundle for display.
- For culinary or craft use: Gently strip the buds from the stems by rolling them between your hands or using your fingers.
- Place the buds or bundles in airtight containers like glass jars, resealable bags, or tins.
- Store in a cool, dark place away from moisture and direct light.
- To extend shelf life, you can add a silica packet to help absorb any residual moisture.
Properly stored, dried lavender can last up to a year while still retaining its fragrance and color.
A Note About Fresh vs. Dried Lavender for Recipes
It’s worth mentioning that dried culinary lavender tends to have a more concentrated flavor than fresh lavender. When using dried lavender in recipes, a little goes a long way. If you’re using fresh lavender blooms, you’ll often need to double the amount to achieve a similar flavor profile.
Always be sure you’re using culinary-grade lavender when cooking or baking, as some varieties sold for ornamental or craft purposes may not be safe to eat.
Ways to Use Dried Lavender
Now that you’ve dried and stored your lavender, there are so many ways to enjoy it:
- Fill sachets for drawers and linen closets.
- Make homemade lavender sugar or lavender simple syrup for baking and drinks.
- Add to tea blends or herb-infused honey.
- Create bath salts, sugar scrubs, or homemade soaps.
- Use in candles or potpourri.
- Craft beautiful wreaths or arrangements for seasonal decor.
Lavender’s versatility is part of what makes it such a joy to grow and preserve.
Drying fresh lavender is simple, rewarding, and allows you to enjoy this beautiful herb long after the growing season ends. Whether you plan to use it in your home, kitchen, or crafts, properly dried lavender retains its calming fragrance and charm for months to come.
With just a little effort and a few basic supplies, you can easily preserve your own harvest and enjoy lavender year-round.
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