If you have a lot of lavender in your garden or a beautiful bouquet, mastering the drying process is essential for enjoying its lovely scent for months.
Dried lavender has endless possibilities: it can be used for sachets, potpourri, carpet freshener, or as a decorative element in your home.
Additionally, it can infuse your upholstery with a pleasant aroma. Here are four simple steps to dry lavender and keep it fragrant.
Steps to Dry Lavender and Preserve Its Aroma
'Not all lavender varieties have the same intensity of scent,' notes an expert. 'For drying, opt for stronger scents like Lavandin or English Lavender.'
Check our guide for the top lavender types. You can also find English Lavender at Walmart.
1. Harvest Lavender at the Optimal Time
To maintain lavender's scent, harvest it at the right moment.
For the best fragrance, pick lavender on a dry day when the first blooms appear. 'This is when about half the buds are open,' explains an expert, 'as essential oils are at their peak, releasing that wonderful aroma.'
Morning is the best time to harvest, after dew has evaporated but before it gets too hot.
Use sharp scissors or shears to cut the stems, leaving two inches of green on the plant. Consider using Fiskars pruning shears from Amazon.
2. Hang Lavender to Dry
Gather around ten to fifteen lavender stems. Use yarn, twine, or a rubber band to tie the stems together, ensuring they all point in one direction.
'Don't make the bundles too large; good air circulation is crucial for drying,' advises an expert.
Hang the bundles upside down in a cool, dark area to maintain color and fragrance. Attics, garages, or closets work well.
Allow the lavender to dry for two to four weeks, checking regularly to ensure even drying. Patience is key; rushing may result in a loss of scent. Ensure air circulation to prevent mold, especially in the initial days.
While drying, cover the bundles loosely with a paper or mesh bag to protect them from dust.
3. Remove and Store the Buds
'Once dried, gently remove the buds from the stems,' says an expert. 'The essence of lavender lies in the buds, which can be stored in an airtight container to preserve their fragrance.'
For an attractive storage option, consider mason jars. 'They're not only pretty but also make it easy to find your dried lavender when you need it.'
For long-term storage, use moisture-absorbing packets or vacuum-sealed bags, like this 20-pack from Amazon.
Keep the buds away from heat and light, as these can weaken the fragrance.
4. Boost the Fragrance with Simple Techniques
If your dried lavender has lost its scent, gently crush the buds to release more aroma. This is especially effective for sachets and potpourri.
'To rejuvenate the scent, add a few drops of lavender essential oil to the buds before sealing them in an airtight container,' suggests an expert. Shake gently to mix the oil with the buds.
You can find lavender essential oil at Walmart.
For an added fragrance boost, store the dried lavender buds with uncooked rice. The rice absorbs moisture that can affect the scent and will also take on the lavender aroma, creating fragrant rice for air freshening or cooking.
