Knowing when to pick lavender is the secret to getting the most fragrance and longevity from your harvest. The best time for harvesting isn’t just a single day, but a perfect window that depends on a few key signs. Get it right, and you’ll have buds packed with aromatic oils perfect for drying. This guide will walk you through exactly what to look for.
Timing your lavender harvest correctly makes all the difference. If you pick to early, the buds won’t have developed their full scent. Pick to late, and the flowers can shatter and lose oil. Let’s break down the simple signals your plant gives you.
When To Pick Lavender
This heading is your golden rule. The ideal moment is when the buds are colored but only a few individual flowers on the spike have actually opened. For most English lavender types, this is typically in mid to late summer. The exact week changes based on your climate and the specific variety you’re growing.
Key Signs Your Lavender is Ready
Don’t guess. Use these visual and sensory clues to know for sure.
- Color is Vibrant: The buds have taken on their mature purple, blue, pink, or white hue but are not yet faded or brown.
- Flowers are Partially Open: Look closely. Only the bottom few florets on each flower spike should be open. The majority of the bud should still be closed.
- Strong Fragrance: The scent is potent when you rub a bud between your fingers. This indicates high oil content.
- Bees are Buzzing: If bees are actively visiting the flowers, it’s a good sign they are in prime condition.
The Best Time of Day to Harvest
Once you’ve hit the right stage in the season, the time of day matters to. For the highest concentration of essential oils, cut your lavender in the morning. Aim for after the dew has dried but before the heat of the midday sun.
The oils in lavender are volatile and can evaporate in high heat. A cool, dry morning ensures you capture all that wonderful aroma. Avoid harvesting immediately after rain or when the plants are damp, as this can promote mold during drying.
What Happens if You Harvest Too Early or Too Late?
Understanding the consequences helps you see why timing is so crucial.
- Too Early (Buds are tight and greenish): The stems won’t have developed enough oil. Your dried lavender will have a weak scent and may wilt poorly.
- Too Late (Most flowers are open): The oils have started to dissipate. The flowers will easily shatter off the stem when handled, resulting in less usable material and a shorter shelf life.
Step-by-Step Harvesting Technique
How you cut is just as important as when. Follow these steps for a clean, healthy harvest that encourages more growth.
- Gather Your Tools: Use a clean, sharp pair of garden shears or snips. Blunt tools can crush the stems.
- Cut the Stems: Aim to cut long stems for easier bundling. Make your cuts just above the woody, leafy growth, leaving a good portion of green foliage on the plant. This helps it bush out again.
- Collect in Bundles: As you cut, gather stems into small, loose bunches. Large, tight bundles won’t dry evenly in the center.
- Handle Gently: Avoid shaking or banging the stems, which can cause the precious buds to fall off.
How to Dry Lavender Perfectly
Proper drying preserves your perfect harvest. The goal is a slow, dark, and airy process.
- Hang Bundles Upside Down: Tie your small bunches with a rubber band or string and hang them upside down in a dark, warm, dry, and well-ventilated area. An attic, closet, or pantry often works well.
- Ensure Good Airflow: Don’t cram bundles together. Space them out so air can circulate freely around each one, preventing mildew.
- Check for Dryness: Drying usually takes 1-3 weeks. The stems should be completely stiff, and the buds should feel dry and rustle slightly when touched.
Once dry, you can gently strip the buds from the stems for sachets or keep the whole spikes for decorative arrangements. Store them in airtight containers away from light to maintain color and fragrance.
Seasonal Considerations for Different Lavender Types
Not all lavender is harvested at the exact same time. The two main groups have different schedules.
English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
This is the classic, highly fragrant lavender. It typically has one major, reliable bloom period in early to mid-summer. This is your primary harvest time. Some varieties may offer a smaller second flush in late summer if you deadhead the first blooms promptly.
French & Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas, dentata)
These varieties are often grown more for their long blooming season and ornamental value. They can flower from spring through fall in mild climates. You can harvest from them more frequently, but the fragrance is generally less intense than English types. The best time to pick them is still when the distinctive “rabbit ear” blooms are fresh and colorful.
FAQs on Picking Lavender
Can you pick lavender after it has bloomed?
You can, but the quality for drying is lower. Post-bloom lavender has less oil and the flowers are more likely to shatter. It’s better for fresh arrangements or for leaving for the bees at this stage.
How often can you harvest lavender?
Most English lavender gives one main harvest per year. With consistent deadheading of spent blooms, you might encourage a lighter second showing. Other types, like French lavender, can be picked more regulary throughout their long blooming season.
What is the latest you can harvest lavender?
Try to complete your main harvest at least 6-8 weeks before your area’s first expected fall frost. This gives the plant time to recover and harden off new growth before winter sets in. A late harvest can sometimes leave the plant vulnerable.
Can I harvest lavender in the spring?
Spring growth is mostly foliage. Harvesting stems in spring would remove the flower buds before they even have a chance to form. It’s best to wait for the summer bloom cycle for a meaningfull harvest.
By paying close attention to the buds, the season, and the time of day, you’ll master the art of picking lavender. A perfectly timed harvest rewards you with the fullest scent and the most beautiful dried bunches, making your gardening effort truly worth it. Remember, the best results come from observing your plants closely each year, as local weather always plays a role.