How do you dry lavender?

Dry lavender by hanging a bundle of stems in a cool, dark location for about one month. Cut the lavender stems in the morning on a sunny day to obtain dry blooms and avoid the development of mildew.

1. Cut the stems

   Harvest the lavender shortly after the blooms open to prevent shedding once the lavender is dry. Cut each lavender stem about 6 to 8 inches long. Trim off the leaves from the bottom inch of each stem. Dry fresh-cut lavender only, and avoid blooms from a floral arrangement because lavender that has soaked in a vase does not preserve well.

2. Bundle the stems

   After the stems are trimmed, gather up to 50 stems in a bundle with the flower head bases even. Tie a rubber band or decorative ribbon securely around the gathered stems. Each bundle can measure up to 3/4-inches in diameter.

3. Hang the bundles

   Hang the bundled stems upside down in a cool, dark location that is dry and well-ventilated, such as a basement or garage. If dust is a concern, cut several holes in a paper bag and secure the bag over the lavender blooms before hanging the bundles. Regularly re-tighten the rubber band or ribbon because the stems shrink while drying, causing the closure to loosen.