Lavender typically blooms between June and August here in the UK, depending on the local climate and the particular lavender species you’ve grown. The best time to harvest is just as the buds have opened but before they’ve fully bloomed – this is when the plant’s essential oils are most concentrated. But here at Gower Lavender we like to wait until the flowers have finished, and all the bees have stopped calling to the plant before we harvest.
Whenever you decide to harvest, here’s what to do in 7 easy steps:
1. Gather your tools
To harvest lavender, you’ll need a pair of sharp secateurs or scissors. Consider wearing a long-sleeved shirt and gloves to protect yourself from the plant’s sometimes scratchy leaves and stems.
2. Choose your stems
Look for stems with a majority of buds that have opened but haven’t fully bloomed yet. Avoid stems with discoloured or diseased buds.
3. Cut the stems
Using your secateurs or scissors, cut the stems approximately 2-3 inches from the woody section of the plant, and ideally just above a set of leaves. This encourages new growth for the next season.
4. Bundle and dry your lavender
Gather your harvested lavender stems into small bundles, tying them together at the base using a piece of twine or elastic. Hang these bundles upside down in a warm, dry, and dark place with good air circulation. Drying should take about 2-3 weeks.
5. Harvesting for seed
If you want to harvest the seeds, wait until the flowers are fully dried and brown. Then, hold the stem upside down and shake it gently over a bowl to collect the seeds.
6. Storage
Once fully dried, you can store lavender buds in a sealed container, away from light, for up to a year. You can also freeze the buds for longer storage.
7. Plan ahead
Remember to plan ahead for the next year. Prune your lavender plants after harvesting to encourage new growth and ensure a healthy, robust crop in the following summer.
This guide first appeared in our July 2023 newsletter.
