Lavender is harvested just as the buds are beginning to open. Unfortunately this year I was away for a month, and London had very hot and dry weather. My lavender was a bit overdue by the time I got home, but there was still plenty that I could use.
- The first step is to gather the flower stems into bunches and cut them.
- Next, strip off the leaves and pull out any bad stems.
- Separate the stems into short, medium and long piles.
- Line up the flower heads and tie into bunches. You should tie directly under the flower heads as well as several inches down the stems.
- Dip the tied flowers into slightly soapy, cold, water, I use a non-toxic Ecover. Then rinse them under water and blot dry with paper toweling.
- Hang to dry. Note that after a week or so you will have to retie the strings, because the stems will shrink a bit as they dry
Very handy procedure to know. I do have lavender plants ready for this summer. Now I know what to do.
ReplyDeleteThat's great. I'm still using mine from last summer (I had a bumper crop). I use it for cooking, creating scented oils, etc. Love, love, love lavender.
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