The easiest way to dry lavender is to cut the stems just as the flowers begin to open, tie them in small bundles and hang them upside down in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place until they are dry. Extension services say this can take a few days or more, and general flower-drying guidance from University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension puts air drying at three to five weeks. A dehydrator also works: general herb guidance is 95 to 115°F for one to four hours. This guide covers when to cut, how to dry and store lavender, and a safety note for pet owners.
Extension guides do not agree on exactly when to cut lavender for drying. Illinois Extension says to cut when the flowers start to open, Utah State says when the first two flowers on the spike have opened, and Colorado State says morning harvest when about half the buds have opened. Anywhere from just before to just after the first flowers open is a reasonable window.
When and How to Harvest
- Cut as the flowers start to open. Illinois Extension says this is when the spikes have the strongest scent, and UC Agriculture and Natural Resources says to harvest buds just as the flowers are about to open for drying.
- Pick in the morning. Utah State University Extension recommends mornings after the dew has evaporated but before the heat sets in.
- Cut long stems so you have something to tie and hang.
Air Drying (Hanging)
Hanging bunches or using a drying rack are the two easiest methods, according to UC ANR.
- Gather the stems in small bundles. Illinois Extension says to hang small bunches, and Colorado State suggests bundles of 50 to 100 stems secured with rubber bands for larger harvests.
- Hang the bundles upside down in a cool, dark place with good air circulation, such as an attic or shed (Utah State and Colorado State).
- Wait. UC ANR says it can take a few days or more for lavender to dry completely, and general flower-drying guidance from UNL says three to five weeks.
- Check that the stems and buds are completely dry before you store them.
Drying Lavender in a Dehydrator
Ohio State University Extension lists lavender among the best herbs for drying and gives the general herb method: dry herbs in a dehydrator set to 95-115°F for 1-4 hours, which matches the National Center for Home Food Preservation’s advice to preheat to 95-115°F. That is general herb guidance, not lavender-specific, so check often and stop when the buds are crisp.
Spread the stems or loose buds in a single layer. For more on settings, see our guide to drying herbs in a dehydrator and the master how to dry herbs page.
How to Tell It Is Dry
Oregon State University Extension says herbs are dry when they crumble easily between your fingers. For lavender, the buds should come away from the stem easily and feel crisp, not soft.
Storing Dried Lavender
- Utah State recommends dark tinted or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids, kept in a cool, dark, dry place, and says direct sunlight and air exposure shorten storage life.
- Oregon State says dried herbs can be stored effectively for up to one year.
- Strip the buds from the stems for sachets, baking or crafts, and keep the rest of the stems whole until you need them.
A Note for Pet Owners
The ASPCA lists lavender as toxic to dogs, cats and horses (linalool and linalyl acetate are the toxic principles it names). If you keep pets, store dried lavender and sachets out of reach.
Quick Answers
How long does lavender take to dry?
UC ANR says a few days or more by hanging, and general flower-drying guidance from University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension says three to five weeks. A dehydrator set to the general herb range of 95-115°F typically takes one to four hours.
When should I cut lavender for drying?
Just as the flowers start to open, according to Illinois Extension and UC ANR. Utah State says when the first two flowers on the spike have opened.
Can I dry lavender in a dehydrator?
Yes. Use the general herb range of 95-115°F and check often.
How long does dried lavender last?
Oregon State Extension says dried herbs can be stored effectively for up to one year in a cool, dry, dark place.
Where can I find other drying guides?
Start with how to dry flowers and how to dry herbs.
Sources
- Illinois Extension: Lavender
- Colorado State University Extension: Growing lavender in Colorado
- Utah State University Extension: English lavender in the garden
- UC Agriculture and Natural Resources: Lavender fact sheet (2021)
- Ohio State University Extension: HYG-5360, Drying herbs
- National Center for Home Food Preservation: Drying herbs
- Oregon State University Extension: Drying herbs
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Guide to drying flowers
- ASPCA: Lavender
