PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games ForumsArts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and Garden Relationship QuizzesCars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and Style Sports and FitnessComputers and ElectronicsHealthPets and Animals TravelEducation & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and Religion Work WorldFamily LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationships Youth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Home and Garden
Gardening
Garden Crafts
Lavender Crafts
How to Dry Lavender Download Article Reviewed by Erin Hostetler
Last Updated: September 6, 2025 Approved
Download Article
Drying Lavender in a Dark Room
|
Drying Lavender in the Sun
|
Video
|
Expert Q&A
|
Tips
|Show more|Show less ARTICLE VIDEO X
This article was reviewed by Erin Hostetler. Erin Hostetler is an Edible Gardening Expert and the Owner & Farmer of The Patio Farmer, a small business based in Charlotte, North Carolina. With over 10 years of experience working on farms and growing food, Erin specializes in providing consultations, installations, and custom maintenance plans for people wanting to grow food in small (or large) spaces at their homes and businesses. Erin loves teaching other people the magic of growing your own food. She's a firm believer that there is a green thumb in everyone! Erin has degrees from Appalachian State University and King's College London, both of which guided her to start her business. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 19 testimonials and 96% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 699,818 times.
Delicate, fragrant lavender is easy to dry and preserve so that it may be used in scented sachets or as part of a dried flower arrangement. To dry lavender, it's important to harvest the flowers at the right moment, when their color is most brilliant and their scent strongest. You can then choose to dry the flowers in a dark room or in the sun, depending on their intended use. Read on to learn how to dry lavender two different ways.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 2:
Drying Lavender in a Dark Room
Download Article
1 Harvest the lavender before it's fully in bloom. Cut the lavender at the base of the stem right before the buds open. This will ensure that the dried lavender will retain a strong floral scent and remain it's bright purple color.[1]XResearch source
2 Cut matured lavender flowers just above the leaves. Aim to get the longest stem possible on the flower. In harvesting lavender you are also pruning the plant, which helps it grow strong throughout the winter.[2]XResearch source
The plant will need the leaves and stem to finish the growing season, so make sure to leave them in place.
Advertisement
3 Gather the lavender into a bunch. Once you've harvested a good handful, gather it into a bunch. Cut the bottom off of the bunch so the ends are even.[3]XResearch source
4 Tie the stems with a rubber band. Keep bundles ¾” around or smaller so that they will dry evenly. This will help prevent mold and mildew growth. Wind the rubber bands toward the base of the stems. Keep winding until the stems are tightly secured, but not crushed.[4]XResearch source
Using a rubber band instead of string or ribbon will ensure that the stems won't slip from the tie as they shrink during the drying process.
5 Find a dark place to dry the lavender. Drying lavender slowly in the dark is the best way to preserve its color, since the sun will fade the purple flowers. Look for a dry, dark place that doesn't get much sunlight, such as your shed, garage, or a shaded place under your eaves.[5]XResearch source
6 Hang the lavender bunch upside down. Loop a strand of the rubber band over a hook or nail. You can also tie a string from the rubber band to a hook or rack to hang the lavender, or you can partially unwind a paperclip and use that to hook the rubber band to a rope, chain, or hook.[6]XResearch source
7 Let the lavender dry for 2 - 4 weeks. Check every so often to see when the lavender is dry. When you brush the flowers, they should fall easily from the stems. You can leave the flowers on the stems or brush them off to use in sachets or for baking.
It’s important to maintain some airflow as the lavender dries. If there’s no airflow, mold can grow. Keep a small fan on while you’re drying the lavender to ensure it stays mold-free.[7]X Expert Source Erin HostetlerEdible Gardening ExpertExpert Interview
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 2:
Drying Lavender in the Sun
Download Article
1 Harvest the lavender. Harvest lavender just before the buds open. Cut at the base of the stems to preserve as much stem as possible.
2 Lay the lavender on a block of wood. A cutting board or another large piece of wood is perfect for drying lavender in the sun. If you use a metal tray, the lavender will get too hot; if you use plastic, you might have a melted mess on your hands.
3 Place the lavender in a sunny spot. Move the cutting board or wood block to a place that gets plenty of sun, either indoors or outdoors. Drying lavender this way is a much quicker process than drying it in the dark, but be prepared for the sun to fade the lavender to a very pale purple color.
If you live in an area that gets a lot of rain, either dry the lavender inside near a sunny window or be ready to move it inside when the clouds threaten to break.
4 Allow the sun to completely dry the lavender. It should take under a week for the hot sun to dry the lavender. Check every few days to see whether the lavender is dry. When it's ready, the flowers should crumble easily from the stems.
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search Add New Question
Question How long does lavender stay fresh? Lauren Kurtz Professional Gardener Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014. Lauren Kurtz Professional Gardener Expert Answer Properly dried lavender flowers will hold their scent for months after initial drying. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 19
Question I tied my lavender up to dry under a large juniper canopy shaped tree, where it gets almost no sun and a good breeze. If it rains, will it mold? Lauren Kurtz Professional Gardener Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014. Lauren Kurtz Professional Gardener Expert Answer Yes, it probably would get mold or at least dampen some. Rather than risk rehydration or mold, bring lavender inside when it looks like it might rain, or keep your lavender inside to dry. Depending on the thickness of your juniper canopy, some water will still penetrate through the needles and might drip down the trunk and onto your bundle. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 14
Question How can I prevent mold? Lauren Kurtz Professional Gardener Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014. Lauren Kurtz Professional Gardener Expert Answer Keep your bunches around ¾” or smaller so that air flows to the middle of the bundle. If you want a larger bundle, combine small bundles after drying. Inside or outside your lavender bundle will need to be in a consistently dry place at all times. Any extra moisture in the air risks rehydrating your bundle. Be especially careful in damp humid climates. Using a fan or a dehumidifier inside the drying room will help keep bundles dry and mold free. When drying bundles outside, keep an eye out for rain in the forecast and bring inside to a sunny window. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 17
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Video
Tips
Lavender can discourage moths, so hanging the lavender in your clothes cupboards will not only smell nice to you, but could also save your clothes from insect attack.[8]XResearch sourceThanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Drying time is weather-dependent. If you live in a humid area, they may take longer to dry out. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
If you use half-hitch knots, you can re-use your piece of string numerous times. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 1
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
You Might Also Like
How toHarvest LavenderHow toDry BasilHow to Easily Plant Lavender SeedsHow toDry Herbs in the OvenHow to Make Lavender Oil & Lavender Essential OilHow toDivide a Lavender PlantHow toFreshen Your Home with LavenderHow toMake Lavender WaterHow toDry RosemaryHow to Preserve Sunflower Heads, Petals, and SeedsThe Best Way to Dry Mint for Tea and CookingHow toPlant Lavender in PotsHow toDry GarlicHow toDry Flowers Advertisement
Reviewed by: Erin Hostetler Edible Gardening Expert This article was reviewed by Erin Hostetler. Erin Hostetler is an Edible Gardening Expert and the Owner & Farmer of The Patio Farmer, a small business based in Charlotte, North Carolina. With over 10 years of experience working on farms and growing food, Erin specializes in providing consultations, installations, and custom maintenance plans for people wanting to grow food in small (or large) spaces at their homes and businesses. Erin loves teaching other people the magic of growing your own food. She's a firm believer that there is a green thumb in everyone! Erin has degrees from Appalachian State University and King's College London, both of which guided her to start her business. This article has been viewed 699,818 times. 83 votes - 96% Co-authors: 27Updated: September 6, 2025 Views: 699,818 Categories: Drying Flowers and Plants | Lavender CraftsArticle SummaryX
To dry lavender, first harvest it by cutting it at the base of the stems just before the buds open. Then lay the lavender on a wooden cutting board or a block of wood. Leave it in the sun outside or in a sunny spot in your house for about a week, or until the flowers crumble easily. If you'd prefer to dry the lavender inside, tie it in a bunch with a rubber band. Then hang it upside down in a dark, dry place, like your garage, for 2-4 weeks. For more information from our Horticultural reviewer on how to dry lavender while keeping its vibrant color intact, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
In other languages French Spanish German Portuguese Italian Russian Dutch Chinese Indonesian Czech Thai Vietnamese Japanese Korean Turkish Persian
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 699,818 times.
Reader Success Stories
Edith Brookens
Jul 4, 2019
"This is my first time to grow lavender. So far it is going really well; the only thing is, I waited too long to harvest. I didn't know until I read this web page. Thanks for the great information; it really helped. Next year I will do much better."..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Reviewed by: Erin Hostetler Edible Gardening Expert Co-authors: 27Updated: September 6, 2025 Views: 699,81896% of readers found this article helpful. 83 votes - 96% Click a star to add your vote
Edith Brookens
Jul 4, 2019
"This is my first time to grow lavender. So far it is going really well; the only thing is, I waited too long to harvest. I didn't know until I read this web page. Thanks for the great information; it really helped. Next year I will do much better."..." more
Susan Lighten
Oct 15, 2016
"Thanks for helping with the knowledge. Did not know to pick lavender at bud stage rather than flowered stage for full smell when dried. It is my daughter's choice to have relaxing lavender oil during labor."..." more
Anonymous
Jul 11, 2017
"Where and when to cut my lavender helped. I was unsure but now I feel confident that this being the third harvest year, that I will have a lovely crop for oils and sachets."..." more
P.L. Bentley
Jul 8, 2017
"Precise and complete information with pictures. Would give 5 stars but they, or the tablet, are not allowing me to do so."..." more Rated this article:
Donna Pearce
Sep 12, 2017
"I was going to use twine to tie the bunches of lavender together. After I read your article, I switched to rubber bands."..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
Quizzes & Games
How to Choose Bed Sheets QuizTake QuizBedroom Aesthetic QuizTake QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizTake QuizWhat Perfume Note Am I QuizTake QuizWhy Can't I Sleep QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake Quiz
You Might Also Like
How toHarvest LavenderHow toDry BasilHow to Easily Plant Lavender SeedsHow toDry Herbs in the Oven
Featured Articles
How toEnjoy the HolidaysHow to Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreAm I Girly Quiz200 Fun, Flirty, & Deep Questions to Get to Know a Guy BetterHow to Tighten Skin Under Your Chin: Natural or Surgical OptionsWhat Would My Nickname Be Quiz
Trending Articles
Let Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizHave I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizCan We Guess If You're Single or Taken?How Much Do I Mog Quiz
Featured Articles
21 Common Hand Signs & Gestures (& What They Mean)170+ Best Useless Facts That Sound Like LiesIs He Interested In Me Quiz15 Signs Your Ex Misses You (and What to Do About It)How to Observe Hanukkah (From Candle Lighting to Latke Frying)165+ "You Are Special" Quotes For Friends, Family, Partners & More
Featured Articles
115+ Brain Teasers For Adults & Kids (With Answers!)When Will I Get My First Kiss Quiz17 Believable Excuses to Miss Class At the Last MinuteHow to Speed Up Your Slow-Performing Mobile DataHow to Get a Nice BodyIce Cream Personality Test
Watch Articles
How toWrap a Round GiftHow toSteam in an OvenHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaHow toPart Your Hair
Trending Articles
How toMake OutAm I a Furry QuizAm I Annoying QuizHow Weird Am I QuizWhat Does “Cracked” Mean in Slang?What Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)
Quizzes & Games
What Flower Am I QuizTake QuizImpossible English TestTake QuizWhat’s The Perfect Hair Care Routine For MeTake QuizWhat Is My Color Aura QuizTake QuizWhat Time of Day Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Tarot Card Am I QuizTake Quiz
Categories
Home and Garden
Gardening
Garden Crafts
Lavender Crafts
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Home
About wikiHow
Experts
Jobs
Contact Us
Site Map
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Do Not Sell or Share My Info
Not Selling Info
Contribute
Follow Us
×
wikiHow Tech Help Pro:
Develop the tech skills you need for work and life
Download Article Reviewed by Erin Hostetler 
How toDry Basil 
How to Make Lavender Oil & Lavender Essential Oil 
Advertisement 
Reviewed by: Erin Hostetler Edible Gardening Expert This article was reviewed by Erin Hostetler. Erin Hostetler is an Edible Gardening Expert and the Owner & Farmer of The Patio Farmer, a small business based in Charlotte, North Carolina. With over 10 years of experience working on farms and growing food, Erin specializes in providing consultations, installations, and custom maintenance plans for people wanting to grow food in small (or large) spaces at their homes and businesses. Erin loves teaching other people the magic of growing your own food. She's a firm believer that there is a green thumb in everyone! Erin has degrees from Appalachian State University and King's College London, both of which guided her to start her business. This article has been viewed 699,818 times. 83 votes - 96% Co-authors: 27 Updated: September 6, 2025 Views: 699,818 Categories: Drying Flowers and Plants | Lavender Crafts Article SummaryX
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
585 
1 Harvest the lavender before it's fully in bloom. Cut the lavender at the base of the stem right before the buds open. This will ensure that the dried lavender will retain a strong floral scent and remain it's bright purple color.[1] 
2 Cut matured lavender flowers just above the leaves. Aim to get the longest stem possible on the flower. In harvesting lavender you are also pruning the plant, which helps it grow strong throughout the winter.[2] 
3 Gather the lavender into a bunch. Once you've harvested a good handful, gather it into a bunch. Cut the bottom off of the bunch so the ends are even.[3] 
4 Tie the stems with a rubber band. Keep bundles ¾” around or smaller so that they will dry evenly. This will help prevent mold and mildew growth. Wind the rubber bands toward the base of the stems. Keep winding until the stems are tightly secured, but not crushed.[4] 
5 Find a dark place to dry the lavender. Drying lavender slowly in the dark is the best way to preserve its color, since the sun will fade the purple flowers. Look for a dry, dark place that doesn't get much sunlight, such as your shed, garage, or a shaded place under your eaves.[5] 
6 Hang the lavender bunch upside down. Loop a strand of the rubber band over a hook or nail. You can also tie a string from the rubber band to a hook or rack to hang the lavender, or you can partially unwind a paperclip and use that to hook the rubber band to a rope, chain, or hook.[6] 
7 Let the lavender dry for 2 - 4 weeks. Check every so often to see when the lavender is dry. When you brush the flowers, they should fall easily from the stems. You can leave the flowers on the stems or brush them off to use in sachets or for baking. 
1 Harvest the lavender. Harvest lavender just before the buds open. Cut at the base of the stems to preserve as much stem as possible. 
2 Lay the lavender on a block of wood. A cutting board or another large piece of wood is perfect for drying lavender in the sun. If you use a metal tray, the lavender will get too hot; if you use plastic, you might have a melted mess on your hands. 
3 Place the lavender in a sunny spot. Move the cutting board or wood block to a place that gets plenty of sun, either indoors or outdoors. Drying lavender this way is a much quicker process than drying it in the dark, but be prepared for the sun to fade the lavender to a very pale purple color. 
4 Allow the sun to completely dry the lavender. It should take under a week for the hot sun to dry the lavender. Check every few days to see whether the lavender is dry. When it's ready, the flowers should crumble easily from the stems. Advertisement 
Lauren Kurtz Professional Gardener Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014. 
Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy.