How To Dry Fresh-Cut Lavender.

To properly dry fresh-cut lavender, follow these steps:

1. Harvest the lavender: Cut the lavender stems towards the base, not at the woody section, right before the buds fully open. This ensures that the dried lavender retains its strong floral scent and bright purple color.  

2. Remove the excess leaves: Cut off any leaves from the stems, leaving only the flowers. Aim to keep the longest possible stem on the flower. 

3. Bundle the lavender: Gather a small bunch of lavender stems, around 20-30 stems, and carefully tie them together with twine or a rubber band. Make sure the stems are secure.

4. Hang the bundles upside down: Find a dark, dry, and warm area to hang the lavender bundles. The ideal location would have good air circulation. You can use hooks or clothespins to hang the bundles upside down from a hanger or a rod. This allows the moisture to evaporate and helps prevent mold or mildew growth.

5. Monitor the drying process: Check on the lavender bundles regularly to ensure they are drying properly. The drying process can take approximately 1-3 weeks, depending on the humidity levels and the thickness of the flower heads.  

6. Store the dried lavender: Once the lavender is completely dry, remove the bundles and place the dried flowers in airtight containers. Keep the containers in a cool, dark place to preserve the scent and color of the lavender.

Remember, dried lavender can be used for various purposes such as potpourri, sachets, or even culinary applications. Enjoy the lovely fragrance of your homegrown dried lavender!

Apprécier/Enjoy!