The lavender plant is exquisite and can be used in various ways. Famous for its aroma and ability to help a person relax, it can be applied in different ways after it has been dried. It is easy to dry lavender; you can use it for many months after it has withered and stopped flowering. If you are interested in making arts and crafts, cooking or making home remedies, dried lavender is something you should have in your home. In this article, I will share tips on how to dry and use lavender.
When is the Right Time to Cut Lavender for Drying?
One must be very keen on the time they harvest lavender for drying. The most preferable time for cutting lavender is when the flowers still need to be fully developed but are about to grow. The lavender used for drying is usually cut in July or August. The buds are still not opened at this stage, but you can see the colour coming up. This is when the plant’s oils are at their best, giving it the best aroma.
In particular, lavender should be cut in the late morning when the dew has evaporated. This way, mould will not grow during the drying process. Cut off the stems with sharp scissors or pruning shears, then arrange the stems in small bunches for drying.
What Kind of Lavender is Good for Drying?
Not all lavender varieties are suitable for drying. English lavender(Lavandula angustifolia) is the most preferred variety. It contains a lot of oil, which retains its scent even after drying. Some of the most commonly grown kinds, including ‘Munstead’ and ‘Hidcote’, are particularly suitable because they strongly smell and grow relatively densely.
Another good plant to use is lavender (Lavandula x intermedia). This type yields bigger flowers and longer stems than usual, making it ideal for decoration and other carvings. To this end, you should select a suitable lavender to make your dried lavender last longer and have a strong fragrance.
Which Part of Lavender Can Be Used in Drying?
The flower is the most frequently processed and dried part of the lavender plant. Flowers retain the most fragrance and are the most convenient for all applications. Nevertheless, stems can also be dried and used for decoration, as shown below. If you wish to create wreaths, bouquets, or any other decoration, it is best to leave the stems intact.
Dry the flowers only for culinary purposes, as the rest may taste bitter. Only use culinary-grade lavender when cooking or preparing beverages.
Methods for Drying Lavender
Below are different techniques that can be used in the drying of lavender. It is up to you or the tools you must use to choose your method. The following are the best methods of drying lavender that you should try:
Hanging Your Lavender to Dry
The most conventional way is to just hang the lavender to dry. It’s simple and effective.
- Put 10-15 stems together and secure them with a twine or rubber band.
- These should be hung upside down in a dark place that is free from moisture and has good air circulation. It is best not to expose them to the sun, as this will cause the colour to fade.
- Let the lavender dry for about one to two weeks. When the flowers become dry and Brittle, they are ready for use. When the flowers are still fresh, they break easily in the hand, and when they become Brittle, they are ready to be used.
This is a suitable method for preserving the stems, as it is excellent for crafts.
Using a Screen
Another way of drying lavender is to spread it on a screen. This is very helpful if you must cut the flowers off the stem.
- To do the following: Place the dried lavender stems on a single layer on a mesh tray or a clean window screen.
- Place the screen on a clean and dry surface and cover the lavender with a thin cloth to prevent it from becoming dusty.
- Rotate the stems from time to time so that all parts of the stems dry well. This method will take 1-2 weeks.
- A screen also helps increase the airflow and hence helps with quicker drying.
Using a Dehydrator
- If you are in a hurry, using a food dehydrator to dry lavender is ideal.
- Lay the lavender stems on the dehydrator trays without stacking them on top of one another.
- Adjust the dehydrator’s temperature to the lowest possible, about 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 40 degrees Celsius.
- Look at the lavender after two to three hours. If it is dry and brittle, it will be ready.
- Dehydrators are suitable for anyone who has to dry a lot of lavender at once, especially in areas with high humidity.
Using an Oven
- The oven can be an alternative to a dehydrator since it is easier to use.
- Place the oven to a low heat of 110°F (43°C).
- Place the lavender stems on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 2-4 hours, turning the stems every hour to help them dry up uniformly.
This method is effective, but one must ensure that the lavender is not dried repeatedly, as this will affect its aroma.
How Long Does Dried Lavender Last
If you properly store your dried lavender, it can last for a year. To retain the fragrance, ensure it is placed in an airtight container. Store it in a cool and dry place at room temperature and away from direct exposure to sunlight. For this purpose, you may use glass jars or metal tins. Sometimes, the fragrance may dissipate, yet dried lavender can still be used for display or any craft project even a year later.
Does Dried Lavender Still Smell?
Yes, it does, but the fragrance is less potent than that of fresh lavender. It may last months, especially if the lavender is dried and in the right condition. The most crucial step is to keep the lavender as dry as possible. If the scent starts to die, crush the flowers so that the essential oils are released, and the smell is revived.
What Is Dried Lavender Good For?
Dried lavender has so many uses that it is beneficial in the home.
- Sachets: Dried lavender can be used to prepare pouches, typically used in closets, drawers, and even under pillows. They repel moths and other insects and give people a relaxing smell.
- Potpourri: Lavender’s sweet smell makes it ideal for potpourri mixtures. It can be used with other dried flowers and herbs to make the house fresh and fragrant.
- Culinary Uses: Dried lavender can be used in cakes, tea, and even some food meant to be savoured. It adds a hint of flowering taste that you may not have in any other seasoning.
- Crafts: Lavender can be used to make dried wreaths, dried flower arrangements, or other crafts. It is a beautiful plant with lovely colour and fragrance, perfect for decorating any room.
- Bath Products: Dried lavender can be used in bath salts, scrubs, and soaps. Because of its calming effect, it is ideal for use in homemade beauty products.
Final Thoughts
Drying lavender is relatively easy and produces pleasant results. These methods allow you to retain the fragrance and look of the flower for quite some time now. Whether you want to make handicrafts, cook something, or decorate your house, dried lavender flower is a valuable and fragrant herb. Dried lavender can be enjoyed if care is taken correctly, making your life relaxed and peaceful.
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