Drying Lavender
I've been drying a little Lavender that I grow and thought it would be nice to share with you how I do it.
When the Lavender is ready for harvesting i.e. just coming into flower (I think I may have left mine a little late): From the flower head follow the stem down and cut beneath the second set of leaves.
What you will need:
Secateurs or scissors
Elastic Bands (thin to med)
Wire Hooks or twine
Lavender
Something to hang it from
Take small handfuls of lavender and either tie the stems tightly with twine or an elastic band. Elastic bands are a better option because the lavender will shrink as it dries so it will be much easier to tighten the bunches.
Make S shaped hooks from garden wire or make ties from the twine. Attach the hooks through the elastic bands and onto a line for drying.
Preferably leave hanging in a warm dark place like a garage for a few weeks. Try to keep them out of direct sunlight as it is drying to preserve the colour.
Leave for at least 2 to 3 weeks to dry.
What I do is then give it 3 light coats of hairspray to stop it dropping.
Then either use in arrangements or if you want to keep it for a special occasion coming up then put the bunches of Lavender in zip lock bags. (I am also going to put in a small sachet of silica gel in with it to hopefully make sure it doesn't get any moisture and go mouldy).
