Knowing when to harvest lavender is the single most important factor for capturing its perfect scent and color. Get the timing right, and you’ll have buds packed with aromatic oils for sachets, cooking, or crafts. Get it wrong, and the fragrance will be weak and the flowers may shatter. This guide will walk you through the clear signs of peak readiness, ensuring your efforts in the garden are rewarded with the best harvest possible.
Lavender isn’t a plant you harvest just once. The optimal moment is a narrow window that depends on your climate, the weather that year, and even the specific variety you’re growing. But don’t worry, the plant gives you plenty of visual and tactile clues. We’ll cover everything from checking bud color to the best time of day to pick, making the process simple and successful.
When to Harvest Lavender
This heading is your core rule. Harvest lavender when the buds are colored but before they are fully open. For most English lavender types, this is when the first few florets on the flower spike have just begun to open. The majority of the bud should still be closed and firm. This stage guarantees the highest concentration of essential oils, which is what gives lavender its wonderful scent and longevity.
The Key Signs of Readiness
Look for these specific indicators on your lavender stems. When you see a combination of these, it’s time to gather your shears.
- Bud Color: The buds are deeply colored (purple, blue, pink, or white, depending on cultivar) but not faded or brown.
- Bud Texture: The individual florets feel firm and plump, not dry or papery. If they crumble easily at a touch, you’ve waited to long.
- Flower Opening: Only the bottom few rings of florets on the spike have started to open. If all florets are wide open, the peak oil time has passed.
- Scent: The fragrance is strong and pronounced when you rub a bud gently between your fingers.
Why Timing is So Critical
Harvesting to early means the oils haven’t fully developed. The scent will be green and weak. Harvesting to late means the oils have evaporated and the flowers will drop off easily during drying, creating a mess. The essential oils are the plant’s treasure, and they are at their peak for a surprisingly short time.
The Bee Test
A great natural indicator is bee activity. Lavender is a major bee attractant. When the flowers are in full swing and covered in bees, you’ve likely missed the prime harvesting window for oil concentration. Aim for just before this bee frenzy peaks.
The Best Time of Day to Harvest
Once you’ve identified the right bud stage, the time of day matters. Always harvest lavender on a dry, sunny day.
- Mid-Morning: This is ideal. Wait until the morning dew has completely evaporated from the plants. Wet lavender can mold during drying.
- Afternoon: Also a good choice, once the sun has warmed the plants and the oils are flowing.
- Avoid Evening: Dew can start to form again, and night moisture is a risk.
Never harvest immediately after rain or if the forcast calls for rain that day.
Step-by-Step Harvesting Technique
How you cut your lavender affects next year’s growth. Follow these steps for a healthy plant and a clean harvest.
- Use Sharp Tools: Use clean, sharp bypass pruners or harvesting snips. This makes a clean cut that heals fast.
- Cut the Stems Long: Cut the stems as long as possible. You can always trim them shorter later for your project. Aim for 6 to 10 inches of stem.
- Cut Above the Leaves: Look down the stem to where you see only woody growth (no green leaves). Make your cut about two inches above this woody section, in the green, leafy part. This encourages bushy new growth.
- Gather in Bundles: As you cut, gather stems together in small, loose bundles. Large, tight bundles won’t dry evenly.
Seasonal Harvesting Guide
Your climate zone dictates your main harvest time and potential for a second cut.
Cooler Climates (Zones 5-7)
For English lavender, expect one main harvest per season. This typically occurs in mid to late summer, often around July. The window may last 2-3 weeks depending on weather. In these zones, its especially important not to harvest to late in the fall, as new growth needs time to harden off before winter.
Warmer Climates (Zones 8-10)
You may be able to get two harvests. The first, and often best, harvest comes in late spring or early summer. After cutting, the plant may produce a second, smaller flush of flowers for a late summer or early fall harvest. The timing of the second cut is crucial—it must be early enough for the plant to recover before cooler weather.
Harvesting for Specific Uses
Your intended use can slightly adjust your perfect timing.
- For Drying & Crafts: Follow the standard rule (colored, unopened buds). This ensures color retention and minimal shattering.
- For Culinary Use: Harvest at the absolute peak of oil concentration, just as the first florets open. This ensures the best flavor. Be certain you are growing a culinary variety like ‘Munstead’ or ‘Hidcote’ and that plants haven’t been treated with pesticides.
- For Essential Oil: Timing is most critical here. Harvest when approximately half the florets on the spike are open. This is often considered the maximum oil yield moment for distillation.
Post-Harvest: Drying Your Lavender
Proper drying preserves your harvest. Here’s the simplest method:
- Gather your stems into small bundles, 50-100 stems max.
- Secure the stems with a rubber band (it tightens as stems shrink).
- Hang the bundles upside down in a dark, warm, dry, and well-ventilated area. An attic, spare room, or garage works well.
- Avoid direct sunlight, which fades color.
- Allow 2-4 weeks for complete drying. The stems should snap cleanly when bent.
Once dry, you can gently strip the buds from the stems by running your fingers down them. Store dried buds in airtight containers away from light.
Common Harvesting Mistakes to Avoid
- Harvesting in the Rain or Dew: This leads to mold and ruined buds.
- Cutting Into Old Wood: Cutting into the hard, woody base of the plant can damage it and slow regrowth.
- Waiting for Full Bloom: The flowers look beautiful, but the scent and oil quality are already declining.
- Using Dull Shears: This crushes the stem, making it harder for the plant to heal and more suseptible to disease.
FAQ: Your Lavender Harvest Questions Answered
Can I harvest lavender after it has bloomed?
You can, but it’s best for deadheading rather than for keeping. Post-bloom, the flowers lose scent and oils quickly and will shed during drying. It’s better for the plant to trim it back lightly after the main bloom to encourage shape.
How often can you harvest lavender?
Most plants provide one primary harvest per year. In optimal, warm conditions, a second, lighter harvest is possible if the first cut is done early enough.
What happens if you harvest lavender too early?
Early-harvested buds will have less developed oils, resulting in a faint, sometimes “green” scent. The buds may also wilt instead of drying properly.
Can I harvest lavender in the fall?
It’s generally not advised for the main harvest. A light trim in early fall is okay in warm zones, but a heavy harvest can stimulate tender new growth that will be killed by winter frost, potentially harming the plant.
How do you know when lavender is ready to pick?
Review the key signs: deep bud color, firm plump florets, only the bottom florets open, and a strong scent when rubbed. When you see these together, your lavender is ready to pick.
Mastering when to harvest lavender transforms this garden favorite from a beautiful plant into a truly useful one. By focusing on the buds’ condition and choosing a dry morning, you’ll capture the essence of summer in every stem. With this knowledge, you can confidently gather your lavender at its peak, ensuring your dried bundles, culinary creations, or homemade gifts are as fragrant and vibrant as possible. Your garden’s bounty is now ready for enjoyment all year long.