When is lavender ready to pick

This ensures that there is a high level of essential oils present in the buds, but if too many of the buds are in bloom then they are liable to fall off the stem during the drying process. Conversely, if the lavender is destined to be turned into our famously deep, rich and gorgeously velvety lavender essential oil , the lavender should be harvested when all of the flowers have opened and a small percentage of them have started to wither. It is at this point that the oil accumulation is at its maximum, and quality is typically at its peak.

So if you are lucky enough to be growing lavender in your garden, when should you gather in your very own lavender harvest and what should you do with it? As stated above what you intend to do with your lavender should influence exactly when you decide to harvest it, but it is also worth remembering that harvesting your lavender crop also serves to prune the plant ready for next year.

So when you have decided that the time is right then it is recommended that you cut the flower stems approximately one or two inches about the woody part, which will encourage the plant to regrow next year. Then if you are planning to dry your own lavender tie your lavender stems together at the base and hang them upside down in a dark, but well-ventilated space.

However if all of this just seems like too much work, why not just have a browse around our online shop and simply select your favourite lavender products and get them delivered directly to your door — much easier! July 7, June 30, September 22, July 28, July 21, June 23, June 9, October 14, October 20, September 29, August 18, July 14, August 21, July 3, April 24, February 6, March 24, February 17, December 16, December 4, March 17, October 23, August 28, April 10, August 12, September 4, June 12, This website uses cookies to improve your experience.

We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More. Harvesting lavender each year is one of the greatest joys here on the hill. Timing when to harvest, prune, cut back, and dry is a skill to hone. Pin Suzan Ferreira Hi! You may also like. Seed Saving For Beginners October 27, Propagating Herbs From Cuttings June 2, Growing Peppers From Seed April 21, Growing Thyme From Seed April 7, What Is Organic Gardening March 10, Suzan Ferreira July 18, - pm Thank you, Linda!

Janet July 17, - pm Great post. Dawn July 8, - pm Lavender is absolutely hands down my favorite. Suzan Ferreira July 9, - pm Thank you, Dawn, for your kind words!

Kimberly Young July 8, - am Such a useful post! Suzan Ferreira July 8, - am Hope they help, Kimberly! Carey Lynn July 8, - am This is a very thorough article on lavender, my mom is getting ready to harvest hers, and I will be sending this link her way, as a great guide to review!

Suzan Ferreira July 8, - am Hopefully the tips on mulching will help you out this winter, Carey! Good Luck!! Kristin McConnell July 7, - pm I absolutely love lavender and grow it in my garden too!

Cathy July 7, - pm A lot of great information! Linda M Purcell July 7, - pm Fabulous post. Suzan Ferreira July 8, - am So glad you found it useful! Happy Harvesting!! Teresa Dietrich July 7, - pm This post was so good and very comprehensive. Karri July 7, - pm Thank you for all this good information! Karen July 7, - pm Wow! Nancy July 7, - pm I love everything about lavender, thank you so much for the information about harvesting and drying.

Homestead Remedies. Natural Home Cleansers. Natural Living. No Cook Refrigerator Pickles September 22, How To Freeze Rhubarb July 28, Canning Applesauce October 14, Homemade Hot Pepper Jelly October 20, Rhubarb Juice Concentrate July 14, Grow It Eat It. Homestead Living. Heating With Wood December 16, Celebrating Winter Solstice! Life On The Farm.

Craft It Make It. Simple Quilted Potholder Tutorial August 28, Homemade Fly Trap August 12, If possible, pruning twice a year is ideal. When your lavender plants are still young, begin pinching tips of new growth; the plants will respond vigorously with dense branching that will help form a good shape.

Delay pruning, and the plant has an opportunity to form older eventually woody growth that won't respond as well to pruning. Since lavender will grow vigorously in the right conditions, you should prune back at least one-third of an established plant each year. Many gardeners prune and harvest their lavender at the same time. Removing the flowering stems from the bush promotes new growth in the plant's roots, keeps the plant looking tidy, and gives you bunches of fragrant, fresh lavender flowers.

To enjoy dried stem bunches or dried buds for cooking, you want to cut the lavender when just a few of the buds on the stem have bloomed. This will allow you to enjoy a more vibrant color in the dried stems and the buds do not fall off as easy once dried. Harvesting in the spring or early summer gives the plant enough time to possibly produce more flowers for a second cutting.

The best time of day to harvest lavender is in the morning, after the dew has dried but before the heat of the sun draws out too much of the fragrant essential oils. The best tool for harvesting lavender is a small, scythe-like instrument called a harvesting knife , but a sharp hand pruner will work fine.