How to Dry Fresh Lavender at Home—and Creative Ways to Use It

A bunch of dried lavender stems and flowers — Credit:
Getty Images

Drying lavender allows you to enjoy its calming fragrance and beauty year-round, even after the growing season ends.
To dry lavender, tie small bundles and hang them upside down in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated space.
Dried lavender is versatile—use it in sachets, vases, baked goods, or as elegant decorations for your home.

Lavender is beloved for its calming fragrance and vibrant purple blooms. While the plant has a relatively short growing season, you can enjoy it year-round by drying it. Properly dried lavender retains its beauty and scent for years, making it useful for everything from home fragrance to culinary projects. All you need is fresh lavender, a way to secure each bundle, and a cool, dark place to hang it for two to three weeks. To learn how to preserve lavender's fragrance, color, and shape, we spoke with lavender farmers and floral experts who shared their best drying tips and creative ways to use dried lavender around the home.

The Rozenbaum Family, owners of Lavender by the Bay
Kathy Turner, co-owner at Hillcrest Lavender Farm
Julia Shelton, creative director and founder of 2Peonies, a floral design company

How to Dry Lavender

Bundles of dried lavender hanging from a rope tied with twine in front of a rustic wooden background — Getty Images

Drying lavender at home is simple. You've likely seen bundles of lavender tied at the stems and hung upside down to dry—and that's essentially the process. However, according to the Rozenbaum family, owners of Lavender by the Bay, a few key details can help preserve the lavender's color, fragrance, and shape.

The best time to harvest lavender for drying is when approximately one-third of the flowers have opened, says Kathy Turner, co-owner of Hillcrest Lavender Farm. "I find drying lavender stems at this point promotes the best color retention for both the flowers and stems," Turner adds. "I prefer picking in the morning as the buds hold more of their oil vs later in the heat of the day, when you can lose some oil due to evaporation."

After harvesting, separate the stems into small bundles and secure them with twine, yarn, rubber bands, or twist ties before starting the drying process. "Hang it upside down in small bunches in a cool, dry, dark place, with good airflow," the Rozenbaum family says. "We always recommend keeping it out of direct sunlight because the sun will quickly fade the purple color and weaken the natural fragrance."

Turner recommends hanging lavender in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, such as a closet or basement. Allow each bundle to dry for two to three weeks. The ideal drying temperature ranges from 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, adds Julia Shelton, creative director and founder of 2Peonies. If you live in a humid climate, Turner recommends allowing the lavender additional time to dry completely.

Once it's fully dried, store the bunches of lavender lying flat in a container, or upright in a jar where the buds won't be crushed, Shelton says.

How Long Dried Lavender Lasts

Dried lavender can last for years when stored properly, according to the Rozenbaum family. "The fragrance is usually strongest during the first year, but you can reinvigorate the fragrance simply by gently squeezing the buds. We recommend storing dried lavender away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight," they say. "Loose dry buds do best in airtight containers, while dried bunches can simply be displayed in the home."

If you display dried lavender in vases around your home, it may collect dust over time. To freshen it up, Turner recommends using a hair dryer on the lowest setting to gently blow away dust. "Not only will it remove the dust, but the motion will also activate the oils in the lavender buds, and the blast of fragrance from the oils being released is so nice, especially in the wintertime," she adds.

Common Lavender Drying Mistakes

Placing lavender in water before drying: Putting lavender stems in water before drying them can lead to mold growth. If you plan to dry lavender, avoid placing the stems in a vase of water at any point, Turner says.
Packing stems too tightly: "When the stems are packed too tightly, moisture can't evaporate properly, and the lavender can become moldy," the Rozenbaum family says. Bundle stems loosely to promote airflow and ensure they dry evenly.
Waiting too long to hang the bundles: Another common mistake is delaying the drying process after harvest. Hang lavender stems as soon as possible to help preserve their fragrance, color, and shape.

Creative Ways to Use Dried Lavender

Lavender sachet with dried lavender sprigs and flowers surrounding it — Getty Images

Make lavender sachets: One of the easiest ways to use dried lavender is to fill sachet bags with the dried buds. Place them in drawers or closets, or hang them in your car. "In addition to gifting, these sachets can sit in more obscure places around your home for a low-key way to spread the fragrance around your home," Shelton says.
Display it in a vase: A simple bundle of dried lavender displayed in a vase adds a natural, elegant touch to any room. Shelton recommends placing it in spaces such as a powder room or kitchen, where its fragrance can gently freshen the space.
Use the buds in the kitchen: Lavender-flavored beverages and baked goods are a delicious way to enjoy the harvest. Once the lavender has dried, strip the buds from the stems and use them in teas, baked goods, or infused sugars, the Rozenbaum family says.
Incorporate it into a tablescape: Dried lavender can instantly elevate a dinner-party table. Shelton suggests placing a small bundle on top of each napkin and tying it with a ribbon or bow. You can also scatter dried buds across the table or display small bunches in bud vases to create a fragrant, garden-inspired tablescape.