How to dry lavender
Enjoy the calming scent of lavender by drying it – we show you how.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
To do | yes | yes | yes |
There are lots of ways you can enjoy lavender's fresh, calming scent.
The essential oils are produced in all parts of the plant, but especially in the flowers – so they're ideal for drying in generous bunches to be placed around the home. You could even use them in wedding bouquets.
To get the most scent, it's essential that you cut the flower heads before the individual florets have opened. The best cultivars for cutting and drying lavender in this way are those with long flower spikes, such as 'Grosso' and 'Sawyers'.
After more ways to use lavender? Scent your baths with by creating a lavender bath bag or this lavender bath oil. Don't forget to boost your stock of these beautiful plants by taking lavender cuttings.
Learn how to dry lavender in just three easy steps, below.
You Will Need
- Lavender
- Secateurs
- Soft string or twine
Step 1
Select stems with long, well-developed spikes of flowers that are ready to open. Cut just below the first leaves.
Step 2
Make neat bunches by holding the stems just below the flower heads. Cut them to an even length and pick off all leaves.
Step 3
Tie the stems together with soft string or raffia and hang the bunch in a cool, dry place to retain the oils as they dry off.
Leggy lavender?
Lavenders can be prone to legginess and growing out of shape – but the solution to keeping them bushy and compact is simple, you just need to prune them in summer. Watch Monty Don summer prune lavender.Jan subscription offer
Get our Year Planner 2025 with a subscription to BBC Gardeners' World magazine. Get 6 issues for £14.99.
Your Guide to Roses on sale now
Love roses? Inside our guide is everything you need to know for success with your blooms, from pruning to problem solving. On sale in stores and online now!
Discover our NEW Travel & Events Brochure
Whether it's the vibrant beauty of Madeira's Flower Festival or the quiet luxury of a Cornish shepherd's hut, our NEW Travel & Events Brochure is your guide to unforgettable experiences.
New podcast series
Give your mental and physical health a boost, with our new Wellness podcast series from Monty and the team.