Lavender is a popular plant that has multiple uses, such as aromatherapy, culinary, and decorative purposes. When you have a lavender plant at home, whether it is grown in a pot or in a garden, you’d want to harvest it at the right time to ensure the best quality of the flowers. Timing is essential when it comes to lavender picking, and you need to know when the right time is to make sure you get the most beautiful and fragrant blooms. In this article, we will discuss when the best time to pick lavender is and how to do it correctly.
Benefits of Lavender
Before we go into the details of when to pick lavender, let’s first talk about the benefits of this beautiful plant. Lavender has been used for centuries because of its calming effect on the mind and body. It is commonly used in aromatherapy to reduce stress and anxiety, induce sleep, and promote relaxation. Lavender also has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that make it useful in healing wounds and treating skin conditions like acne and eczema. Moreover, lavender flowers and leaves are used in culinary recipes, such as tea and baked goods, to add flavor and aroma.
When to Pick Lavender
Now that we know the benefits of lavender let’s move on to the topic at hand, when to pick lavender.
Maturity of Lavender
The first thing to consider when picking lavender is the maturity of the plant. The best time to pick lavender is when it is in full bloom. You can tell that the lavender plant is mature when the flowers at the bottom of the stem have opened up, and those at the top are still in bud. This usually happens in late spring to early summer, depending on the climate and location. It is best to check the bloom cycle of the specific lavender variety you have to be sure when it is in full bloom.
Time of Day
The next aspect to consider is the time of day when picking lavender. The best time to harvest lavender is in the morning when the dew has dried from the plant. Picking lavender when the plant is wet can cause mold to develop on the flowers or leaves, which can affect its quality, flavor, and aroma. If you can’t pick lavender in the morning, the next best time is in the late afternoon or early evening, but make sure to pick it when the weather is dry.
Method of Harvesting
The third aspect to consider is the method of harvesting the lavender. There are several ways to pick lavender, but the most common is by hand. To pick lavender by hand, use garden shears or scissors to cut the stem about two inches below the flowers’ base. Make sure to leave enough leaves and flowers on the plant to prevent damage, and don’t cut the stem too close to the plant’s base as it can cause damage to the roots. When harvesting, it is also essential to choose flowers that are fully open and have a robust fragrance.
Conclusion
Picking lavender at the right time is crucial to ensure the best quality of flowers. The best time to pick lavender is when it is in full bloom, the weather is dry, and it is in the morning. By using the right method of harvesting, you will be able to enjoy the benefits of lavender fully. Whether you’re using it for culinary, decorative or aromatherapy purposes, harvesting lavender at the right time will improve its quality, fragrance, and flavor.
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