Step by Step | How to Dry Flowers?
Lavender, with its enchanting scent and timeless allure, is a beloved addition to gardens and homes. Its uses span far beyond mere aesthetics; dried lavender offers an array of applications from crafting to culinary adventures. To harness the full potential of your lavender, mastering the art of harvesting and drying is essential. In this step-by-step guide, we'll walk you through the process, offering insights and tips to ensure your dried lavender maintains its vibrant color, fragrant aroma, and enduring charm. Discover the key steps in the lavender journey, from the moment it's harvested to its final transformation into a versatile and decorative masterpiece.
Harvesting Lavender Flowers: A Quick Guide
- For dried lavender bunches, clip stems when about three-quarters of the flowers on each stem are open, or when blooms are open at the base of the spike.
- Harvesting at this stage ensures stouter stems, plump flower heads, and optimal color and fragrance.
- Avoid waiting until all buds are fully open, as this may lead to fragile, shattering blossoms when dried.
- Harvest lavender flowers in the morning, after the dew has dried, and refrain from cutting on rainy days.
- Opt for longer stems, especially for making lavender wreaths, as you can always trim them after drying.
How to Air Dry Lavender : A Step-By-Step Guide
Here are few easy steps to dry your lavender:
- Harvest lavender flowers just before they fully open when the buds are bright purple. Cut them above the leaves, leaving a long stem. Open blossoms can also be used, but they might lose color during drying.
- Bundle around 50 stems together and secure them with a rubber band. Smaller bundles dry more evenly.
- Hang the lavender bundles upside down in a cool, dark, and dry area to prevent molding or premature rot. Avoid direct sunlight to maintain the flower buds' color.
- Periodically check the bundles to ensure the stems remain secure, as they may shrink during drying.
- Allow the lavender to air dry for 2 to 4 weeks, adjusting for humidity levels in your environment, until they are completely dried. Enjoy the aromatic and decorative benefits of your dried lavender.
We are a lavender farm in New Zealand. Come to our lavender farm during December and January to Pick Your Own (PYO) lavender. You can not only enjoy the aroma of lavender fields but also bring some fresh lavender home to dry and decorate your house. Click to learn more about Summer Activities at Lavender Backyard Garden.
