For tea or culinary uses, harvest before the colors become vibrant. At that time, the bud should be intact so you can have maximum flavor and potency. If you’re using lavender to make essential oils, you’ll need to wait to harvest until the flowers are fully open. This makes it easier to extract the oils.
How To Harvest
The first step is to look inside the lavender plant and locate the woody part of the stem. With your shears or scissors, cut about two to three inches above the woody stem, being careful not to crush any flowers. Do not cut into the woody stem because it may not produce new growth again.
Then, place the cut lavender in a basket. A first-year lavender bush will usually generate enough flowers to make one or two bunches of lavender. A fully mature plant may provide you with eight to 10 bunches.
How To Dry And Store Lavender
If drying your lavender, gather them into small bundles that are no more than one to 1.5 inches in diameter. Bundles that are too big run the risk of growing mold in them. Next, hang the bundles upside down in a cool space with good airflow. It takes about a week for lavender to dry completely.
You can tell it’s done drying when the bright green stems turn brown and brittle. Finally, store the dried lavender in an airtight container for future use or leave it out as home decor.
