How to Dry Lavender

Co-authored by Lauren Kurtz

Last Updated: February 18, 2024 Approved

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Delicate, fragrant lavender is easy to dry and preserve so that it may be used in scented sachets or as part of a dried flower arrangement. To dry lavender, it's important to harvest the flowers at the right moment, when their color is most brilliant and their scent strongest. You can then choose to dry the flowers in a dark room or in the sun, depending on their intended use. Read on to learn how to dry lavender two different ways.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Drying Lavender in a Dark Room

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Cut the lavender at the base of the stem right before the buds open. This will ensure that the dried lavender will retain a strong floral scent and remain it's bright purple color.^{[1]
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Cut matured lavender flowers just above the leaves. Aim to get the longest stem possible on the flower. In harvesting lavender you are also pruning the plant, which helps it grow strong throughout the winter.^{[2]
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- The plant will need the leaves and stem to finish the growing season, so make sure to leave them in place.
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Once you've harvested a good handful, gather it into a bunch. Cut the bottom off of the bunch so the ends are even.^{[3]
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Tie the stems with a rubber band. Keep bundles ¾” around or smaller so that they will dry evenly. This will help prevent mold and mildew growth. Wind the rubber bands toward the base of the stems. Keep winding until the stems are tightly secured, but not crushed.^{[4]
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- Using a rubber band instead of string or ribbon will ensure that the stems won't slip from the tie as they shrink during the drying process.
Drying lavender slowly in the dark is the best way to preserve its color, since the sun will fade the purple flowers. Look for a dry, dark place that doesn't get much sunlight, such as your shed, garage, or a shaded place under your eaves.^{[5]
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Loop a strand of the rubber band over a hook or nail. You can also tie a string from the rubber band to a hook or rack to hang the lavender, or you can partially unwind a paperclip and use that to hook the rubber band to a rope, chain, or hook.^{[6]
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Check every so often to see when the lavender is dry. When you brush the flowers, they should fall easily from the stems. You can leave the flowers on the stems or brush them off to use in sachets or for baking.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Drying Lavender in the Sun

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Harvest lavender just before the buds open. Cut at the base of the stems to preserve as much stem as possible.
A cutting board or another large piece of wood is perfect for drying lavender in the sun. If you use a metal tray, the lavender will get too hot; if you use plastic, you might have a melted mess on your hands.
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Place the lavender in a sunny spot. Move the cutting board or wood block to a place that gets plenty of sun, either indoors or outdoors. Drying lavender this way is a much quicker process than drying it in the dark, but be prepared for the sun to fade the lavender to a very pale purple color.
- If you live in an area that gets a lot of rain, either dry the lavender inside near a sunny window or be ready to move it inside when the clouds threaten to break.
It should take under a week for the hot sun to dry the lavender. Check every few days to see whether the lavender is dry. When it's ready, the flowers should crumble easily from the stems.

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Question

How long does lavender stay fresh?

Lauren Kurtz
Professional Gardener
Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.

Lauren Kurtz

Professional Gardener

Expert Answer

Properly dried lavender flowers will hold their scent for months after initial drying.

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Question

I tied my lavender up to dry under a large juniper canopy shaped tree, where it gets almost no sun and a good breeze. If it rains, will it mold?

Lauren Kurtz
Professional Gardener
Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.

Lauren Kurtz

Professional Gardener

Expert Answer

Yes, it probably would get mold or at least dampen some. Rather than risk rehydration or mold, bring lavender inside when it looks like it might rain, or keep your lavender inside to dry. Depending on the thickness of your juniper canopy, some water will still penetrate through the needles and might drip down the trunk and onto your bundle.

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How can I prevent mold?

Lauren Kurtz
Professional Gardener
Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.

Lauren Kurtz

Professional Gardener

Expert Answer

Keep your bunches around ¾” or smaller so that air flows to the middle of the bundle. If you want a larger bundle, combine small bundles after drying. Inside or outside your lavender bundle will need to be in a consistently dry place at all times. Any extra moisture in the air risks rehydrating your bundle. Be especially careful in damp humid climates. Using a fan or a dehumidifier inside the drying room will help keep bundles dry and mold free. When drying bundles outside, keep an eye out for rain in the forecast and bring inside to a sunny window.

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Lavender can discourage moths, so hanging the lavender in your clothes cupboards will not only smell nice to you, but could also save your clothes from insect attack.^{[7]
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If you use half-hitch knots, you can re-use your piece of string numerous times.

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Drying time is weather-dependent. If you live in a humid area, they may take longer to dry out.

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