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How to Dry Lavender (Step-by-Step Guide)
Drying lavender is one of the easiest ways to preserve the fragrance and beauty of the plant long after the bloom season has ended. Properly dried lavender can last for years and can be used for bouquets, sachets, crafts, cooking, and home fragrance.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to dry lavender, when to harvest it, and how to prepare bundles so they dry properly without losing color or scent.
Lavender is typically dried by bundling the stems and hanging them upside down in a dry, well-ventilated space away from direct sunlight.
Most lavender bundles dry completely in 2–4 weeks, depending on humidity and airflow.
For best results:
• Harvest lavender when buds are just beginning to open
• Gather small bundles of stems
• Tie them together with string or rubber bands
• Hang upside down in a dark, dry location
• Allow to dry for several weeks
Did you harvest one of our $8 U-Pick bundles? You’re one step ahead! There is no need to re-tie or rubber-band your lavender. The heavy-duty ziptie we provided is the perfect hanging loop. As the 200–250 stems shrink slightly during the drying process, the ziptie remains tight and secure. Just hook it over a nail in a cool, dark spot, and you’re done!
When to Harvest Lavender for Drying
The best time to harvest lavender for drying is when the buds are fully formed but before most of the flowers have opened.
At this stage the buds contain the highest concentration of aromatic oils, which helps the dried lavender keep its fragrance longer.
If lavender is harvested too late, many of the flowers will fall off during the drying process.
On our farm in Sequim, Washington, lavender is typically harvested during the summer bloom season when the buds have reached the right stage for drying and processing.
A simple way to know when lavender is ready to harvest is to watch the flowers and the bees. The ideal time to cut lavender for drying is when about 10% of the flowers on the stem have opened. Around this time you’ll often start to notice bees visiting the plants more frequently, which is a good sign the buds are reaching peak fragrance and oil content.
Harvesting at this stage helps the buds retain their scent and stay attached to the stems during drying.
How to Dry Lavender Bundles
Drying lavender using the traditional hanging method is simple and effective.
Follow these steps:
Harvest long lavender stems with healthy buds.
Remove excess leaves from the lower part of the stems.
Gather stems into small bundles about the width of your hand.
Tie the stems tightly with twine, string, or rubber bands.
Hang the bundles upside down in a warm, dry place with good airflow.
Avoid direct sunlight while drying, as strong sunlight can fade the purple color and reduce the fragrance.
Most lavender bundles dry completely in two to four weeks.
Lavender typically takes 2 to 4 weeks to dry completely when bundled and hung in a dry, well-ventilated space.
Drying time can vary depending on humidity, airflow, and the size of the bundles. Smaller bundles with good air circulation will dry faster, while thicker bundles may take a little longer.
You’ll know lavender is fully dried when:
• The stems feel stiff and brittle
• The buds easily separate from the stems
• The bundles feel light and dry
Once dried, lavender can be stored as full bundles or the buds can be removed for use in sachets, crafts, culinary recipes, or other lavender products.
Lavender dries best in locations that are:
• Dry
• Well ventilated
• Out of direct sunlight
• Protected from moisture
Common places people dry lavender include:
• Garages
• Sheds
• Barns
• Covered porches
• Indoor drying racks
Air circulation is important because it prevents mold and helps the lavender dry evenly.
Lavender is ready when:
• The stems feel stiff and brittle, like chips not like tortillas.
• The buds easily separate from the stems
• The bundles feel light and dry
At this stage, the lavender can be stored as full bundles or the buds can be removed from the stems for other uses.
Dried lavender has many uses around the home.
Common uses include:
• Lavender bundles and bouquets
• Sachets for drawers and closets
• Culinary lavender for baking and cooking
• Bath and body products
• Home fragrance and crafts
Properly dried lavender retains its scent for a long time when stored correctly.
How to Store Dried Lavender
To keep dried lavender fresh:
• Store it in a cool, dry place
• Keep it out of direct sunlight
• Use airtight containers or sealed bags for loose buds
When stored properly, dried lavender can maintain its fragrance for a year or longer.
At B&B Family Lavender Farm in Sequim, Washington, lavender is harvested during the summer bloom and carefully dried for use in many of the products we make on the farm.
Drying lavender properly helps preserve the fragrance and quality of the flowers so they can be enjoyed long after the fields have finished blooming.
Yes, air drying is the most common and effective method for drying lavender.
Yes, hanging lavender upside down helps maintain its shape and prevents mold.
Dry it in a dark, well-ventilated space and avoid direct sunlight.
It’s not recommended, as sunlight can fade the color and weaken the scent.
When stored properly, dried lavender can last several months to a year.
If you're visiting Sequim during lavender season, B&B Family Lavender Farm offers a relaxed, less crowded experience with wide open fields and handcrafted lavender products.