Drying lavender flowers is a wonderful way to preserve their beauty and fragrance. Not only can you use dried lavender in various crafts and projects, but you can also use it to make homemade potpourri, sachets, or even culinary delights. To ensure that your dried lavender retains its beautiful color, there are a few steps you can follow.
Firstly, it’s important to harvest your lavender at the right time. The best time to harvest lavender is when the buds are fully formed but haven’t yet opened. This is when the flowers contain the highest concentration of essential oils, which contribute to their color and fragrance. It’s also best to harvest lavender in the morning after the dew has dried, as this helps to preserve the oils and prevent mold or mildew during the drying process.
Once you’ve harvested your lavender, it’s time to prepare it for drying. Bundle the lavender stems together, making sure to remove any excess leaves or debris. You can use rubber bands or string to secure the bundles tightly. It’s important to hang the bundles upside down to dry, as this helps to maintain the shape and prevent the flowers from drooping.
Next, find a dark, warm spot to hang your lavender bundles. This could be a closet, attic, or any other area that is well-ventilated and away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can cause the lavender flowers to fade and lose their vibrant color, so it’s best to keep them in a shaded area. To catch any buds or blooms that might fall during the drying process, place a clean sheet or cloth beneath the hanging bundles.
Humidity plays a role in the drying time of lavender, so it’s important to keep an eye on the bundles. In ideal conditions, lavender should dry within seven to 10 days. However, if the humidity is high, it might take a bit longer. You can test the dryness of the lavender by gently touching the flowers. If they feel dry and crumbly, they are ready to be removed from the drying area. If they still feel slightly moist, give them a bit more time.
Once your lavender is completely dry, carefully remove the flowers from the stems. You can do this by gently rubbing the flower buds between your fingers or by using a clean, dry cloth to brush them off. Store the dried lavender in airtight containers or glass jars in a cool, dark place to preserve their color and fragrance for as long as possible.
It’s important to note that while drying lavender helps to retain its color, some color fading is natural and expected. However, by following these steps and protecting your drying lavender from sunlight, you can ensure that it retains its best color for as long as possible.
In my personal experience, I have found that drying lavender in a dark, warm closet has yielded the best results. I made sure to hang the bundles upside down and placed a sheet beneath them to catch any fallen buds. After about a week, I checked the lavender and found that it was perfectly dry and retained its vibrant purple color. I then gently removed the flowers from the stems and stored them in a glass jar, where they have remained fragrant and beautiful for several months.
Drying lavender and keeping its color is a simple process that requires a bit of patience and attention to detail. By following these steps and taking care to protect your drying lavender from sunlight, you can enjoy the beauty and fragrance of your lavender flowers for months to come.
