When Is A Good Time To Harvest Lavender?

Harvesting lavender is about more than just picking pretty, fragrant flowers. It’s a delicate process that requires careful timing in order to preserve the plant’s essential oils and ensure the best possible fragrance and flavor for any products that you might be creating. But how can you tell when the right time is to harvest your lavender plants? In this article, we’ll explore the best times to harvest lavender, taking into account different types of lavender, your intended use for the plant, and environmental factors.

When to Harvest Lavender

Harvesting English Lavender

English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the most commonly grown type of lavender, and it has a long history of medicinal and culinary use. When it comes to harvesting, the ideal time is when the flowers are in full bloom, but before they begin to fade. This usually happens in mid to late summer, depending on your region and the weather conditions. You can tell if your lavender is in full bloom by looking at the buds – they should be tightly closed, but the flowers themselves should be open and starting to release their signature fragrance.

Harvesting French Lavender

French lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is a bit different from English lavender, both in terms of appearance and harvesting. French lavender usually blooms earlier than English lavender, often in late spring or early summer, and the flowers are more tightly packed and stacked on top of each other. When harvesting French lavender, it’s best to do so when the flowers are just opening up or just before they start to fade. This will ensure that you get the best possible fragrance and preserve the plant’s essential oils.

Other Factors to Consider

When deciding when to harvest your lavender plants, there are a few other factors that you should take into account. These include:

• The time of day: Lavender is best harvested in the morning, after the dew has evaporated, but before the heat of the day sets in.
• The weather: It’s best to harvest lavender on a dry, sunny day, as this will help to preserve the plant’s essential oils and prevent mold or mildew from forming on the harvested flowers.
• Your intended use for the plant: If you’re harvesting your lavender for culinary purposes, you may want to harvest it a bit earlier than if you’re using it for essential oils or sachets. This is because the flavor of lavender becomes more bitter as it ages.

Conclusion

Harvesting lavender is all about timing. By knowing when to harvest your plants, you can ensure that you get the best possible fragrance and flavor from your lavender, whether you’re using it for cooking, crafting, or medicinal purposes. Remember to take into account the type of lavender you’re working with, the time of day and weather conditions, and your intended use for the plant, and you’ll be well on your way to creating beautiful, fragrant lavender products that capture the essence of this beloved herb.

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Last update 2023-05-30. Price and product availability may change.