The sweet, calming scent of lavender is a popular fragrance that can be used for a variety of purposes.
But did you know that you can also dry lavender and use it in a variety of ways? In this article, we will explore what type of lavender is best for drying, the benefits of drying lavender, how to harvest, bundle, and hang lavender for drying, where to hang dried lavender, and how long it takes to dry lavender.
So if you’re looking for a way to enjoy the therapeutic scent of lavender all year round, then keep reading to discover the top varieties of lavender for drying!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is generally considered the best variety for drying.
This type of lavender grows in a wide range of soils and climates and produces a higher yield of oil than other varieties.
It retains its color and fragrance when dried, making it ideal for potpourri, sachets, and other craft projects.
Other lavender varieties such as French (Lavandula stoechas) and Spanish (Lavandula intermedia) can also be dried, but they are not as fragrant as English lavender.
What is Lavender and What is Drying?
Lavender is a fragrant flowering plant that is native to the Mediterranean region, but is now grown all around the world.
It has beautifully-scented, purple or white flowers and is used for a variety of purposes, including essential oil production, medicinal uses, and drying.
Drying is a process used to preserve the lavender flowers and leaves in a way that allows them to be used for longer periods of time.
This is done by removing the moisture from the lavender, which is typically done by hanging the bundles of lavender in a warm, dark, and dry place.
The result is a dry, brittle, and fragrant material that can be stored for a longer period of time and used for various purposes.
Benefits of Drying Lavender
The herbal aroma of lavender has a way of calming both the mind and body, so its no wonder why its a popular herb used in aromatherapy and spa treatments.
As a bonus, lavender also has numerous other benefits when dried.
Drying lavender helps to preserve the flowers color and aroma, making it an ideal choice for crafts, potpourri, and even culinary use.
It also helps to keep the flowers pest-free and usable for much longer than when kept in their fresh form.
By drying lavender, you can enjoy the herbs benefits for months or even years to come.
On top of that, drying lavender also helps to enhance its therapeutic effects.
In its dried form, lavender can be used to make soothing teas and tinctures, as well as added to sachets and dream pillows for a peaceful nights sleep.
Dried lavender can also be used in a variety of other ways, making it a versatile and multi-functional herb.
When it comes to drying lavender, the best type to use is English or French lavender.
This type of lavender has higher essential oil content, which helps to preserve the color and aroma when it is dried.
Additionally, English and French lavender has a more uniform shape which makes it easier to bundle and hang for drying.
For the best results, it is important to harvest the lavender in the morning when the essential oils are at their peak.
It is also important to hang the bundles in a warm, dark, and dry place in order to ensure the lavender dries quickly and evenly.
What Type of Lavender is Best for Drying?
When it comes to drying lavender, there are many different types that can be used.
However, the best type of lavender to use for drying is English or French lavender.
These two types of lavender have higher essential oil content than other types, which helps to preserve the color and aroma when it is dried.
Additionally, English and French lavender have a more uniform shape which makes them easier to bundle and hang for drying.
For the best results, it is important to harvest the lavender in the morning when the essential oils are at their peak.
This will ensure that the lavender is as fragrant and vibrant as possible when it is dried.
It is also important to hang the bundles in a warm, dark, and dry place in order to ensure the lavender dries quickly and evenly.
This will help to prevent any mold or mildew from forming on the lavender.
When choosing the type of lavender to dry, it is important to consider the fragrance, color, and size of the flower heads.
English and French lavender tend to have larger flowers with a stronger fragrance and a deep purple color.
The larger flower heads help to make the drying process faster and more efficient.
Additionally, the larger flower heads are easier to bundle and hang for drying.
It is also important to consider the amount of space available for drying the lavender.
English and French lavender can take up more space than other types of lavender, so it is important to make sure that there is enough room to hang the bundles before harvesting the lavender.
Finally, it is important to consider the amount of time needed for the lavender to dry.
English and French lavender tend to dry faster than other types, so it is important to choose the type of lavender that best fits the timeline for the project.
With the right type of lavender and the right drying conditions, the final product will be fragrant, vibrant, and full of flavor.
So, when it comes to drying lavender, English and French lavender is the best choice for the job.
How to Harvest Lavender for Drying
Harvesting lavender for drying is a simple process but it’s important to get it right in order to achieve the best results.
The best time to harvest lavender for drying is in the morning when the essential oils are at their peak.
To ensure that the lavender is dry enough to be hung for drying, it should be cut when the buds are just starting to open.
This will help to preserve the color and aroma of the lavender when it is dried.
When harvesting lavender for drying, it is important to use a sharp pair of scissors or shears to cut the stems.
This will help to ensure that the stems are cut evenly and that the lavender does not become damaged in the process.
Additionally, it is important to cut the stems at an angle to make it easier to bundle the lavender for drying.
Once the lavender has been harvested, it should be bundled together with twine or rubber bands in order to make it easier to hang for drying.
The ideal bundle size is around 10-15 stems, as this is small enough to hang without becoming too heavy.
The bundles should be hung in a warm, dark, and dry place in order to ensure that the lavender dries quickly and evenly.
It is important to check on the bundles periodically to ensure that they are not becoming too dry or too damp, as this can affect the quality of the dried lavender.
How to Bundle and Hang Lavender for Drying
When it comes to drying lavender, proper bundling and hanging of the plant is key.
It is important to bundle the lavender in small bunches that are no more than 4-5 inches thick.
This ensures that the air can circulate evenly around the plants and helps to ensure they dry quickly and evenly.
To bundle the lavender, use a length of twine or other strong, natural material to wrap around the stems tightly.
Once the bundle is secure, it can be hung in a warm, dry, and dark place.
For best results, it is important to hang the bundles upside down so that the essential oils do not run out as the lavender dries.
Additionally, it is important to check the bundles a few times a week to ensure that they are drying properly and that the lavender is not becoming moldy.
Once the lavender is dried, it can be stored in an airtight container or used for a variety of crafts.
Where to Hang Dried Lavender
When it comes to drying lavender, it is important to hang the bundles in a warm, dark, and dry place in order to ensure the lavender dries quickly and evenly.
The ideal conditions for drying lavender include a temperature between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, low humidity, and adequate ventilation.
Hanging the lavender in bunches will also allow for better air circulation and even drying.
Additionally, the best place to hang the lavender is in a dark area such as a closet or basement where it is free from direct sunlight and other sources of heat.
This will help to keep the essential oils intact and prevent the lavender from fading in color.
When drying lavender, it is also important to keep it away from other drying herbs and plants.
This will help to ensure that the lavender has enough airflow and will not absorb the scent of other herbs.
Additionally, it is important to check the lavender bundles regularly to make sure they are drying evenly and not developing any mold or mildew.
If any of the bundles are not drying properly, it is best to remove them and start the drying process again.
Finally, once the lavender is completely dry, it should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
This will help to preserve the color and aroma of the lavender for a longer period of time.
How Long Does it Take to Dry Lavender?
When it comes to drying lavender, the amount of time it takes depends on the type of lavender and the environment in which it is dried.
English and French lavender typically dry in about two weeks, though they may take up to four weeks depending on the conditions.
Other types of lavender may take longer to dry, as they often have a higher water content and a lower essential oil content.
For example, Spanish lavender may take up to six weeks to dry completely.
To ensure the lavender dries quickly and evenly, it is important to harvest it in the morning when the essential oils are at their peak and to hang the bundles in a warm, dark, and dry place.
Additionally, the bundles should be hung with enough space between them to allow air to circulate and promote even drying.
Final Thoughts
By harvesting English or French lavender in the morning when the essential oils are at their peak, bundling it, and hanging it in a warm, dark, and dry place, you can easily and quickly dry lavender for yourself.
Not only will the lavender retain its beautiful color and aroma, but it can also be used for a variety of purposes such as making sachets or potpourri.
Now that you know the best type of lavender to dry and how to do it, why not give it a try and start creating your own dried lavender today?