Harvesting and drying lavender – Preserving the essence of summer

Few plants capture the feeling of summer quite like lavender. Its violet blooms fill the air with a distinctive fragrance and bring a touch of Mediterranean charm to any garden. The best part? With the right harvesting and drying techniques, that summer feeling can be enjoyed long after the season has passed.

The perfect time to harvest

Timing is key when it comes to preserving lavender’s aroma. Harvest your lavender when the lower flowers on each stem have just begun to open while the upper buds remain closed. At this stage, the concentration of essential oils is at its peak.

For best results, cut the stems on a dry, sunny morning.

How to dry lavender

Drying lavender is simple and requires very little preparation:

Cut: Cut the stems about 10 cm below the flowers, avoiding the woody part of the plant.
Bundle: Tie the stems into small bunches using string or a rubber band.
Hang: Hang the bundles upside down in a dark, dry, and well-ventilated place. Direct sunlight can cause the flowers to fade.
Use: After one to two weeks, the flowers will be completely dry and can either be stripped from the stems or used as decorative bundles.

Three simple ideas for dried lavender

Lavender sachets for closets and bedrooms

Fill small fabric sachets with dried lavender flowers to add a pleasant fragrance to closets and drawers. Traditionally, lavender sachets have also been used to help keep moths away. Placed beside a pillow, they create a wonderfully calming atmosphere.

Lavender in the kitchen

(Lavandula angustifolia), commonly known as culinary lavender or true lavender, is edible. One favorite is homemade lavender sugar: simply combine one tablespoon of dried lavender flowers with about 200 g of sugar and let the mixture infuse for a few days. Lavender also adds a delicate floral note to homemade vinegars and summer salads.

Relaxing lavender bath salts

Coarse sea salt, dried lavender flowers, and a few drops of lavender essential oil can transform an ordinary bath into a soothing ritual. Packaged in a decorative jar, it also makes a thoughtful handmade gift.

Relaxation in a cup

Those who appreciate the fragrance and calming qualities of lavender can also enjoy them in our Wellness Tea Relax. This harmonious blend of silver linden blossoms, lemon balm, lavender, and rose petals offers delicate floral notes and a naturally soothing character. It is the perfect companion for a peaceful moment at the end of the day.

A little piece of summer to enjoy not only in the garden, but in your teacup as well.