Harvesting lavender for display in a vase or floral arrangement is best done when the buds have swollen and are deep blue or purple, and several of the trumpet flowers have emerged. Harvesting can occur as the flowers continue to blossom. It is best to harvest when no more than 25-30% of the flowers have blossomed.
Bouquets can be harvested as fresh cut and displayed for up to two weeks. They may be hung upside down in a dry and dark space for 7 to 10 days to dry. In this condition the dried buds take on a steel blue tint along the stem and may be used in a dried floral arrangement. The buds may be stripped from the stems, lightly sifted to remove debris and used in crafts, sachets, aromatherapy and cooking.
Lavender is truly a perennial plant. It provides a year long presence in the landscape. Its early spring foliage followed by distinctive flower spikes, summer flowers and constant fragrance provide a landscape masterpiece, individually or with other plant varieties. During the winter dormancy stage, its gray-green foliage and dome-like stature provide a subdued color, shape and fullness to a sleeping garden. Lavender’s fresh cut flowers and dried bouquets provide fragrance, color and beauty from the outdoors that can be enjoyed indoors throughout the year.
For the creative mind, artisan and chef the essential oils distilled from lavender and the qualities of the dried buds provide distinctive fragrance and a relaxing and soothing effect on the body and soul. Lavender’s usefulness and diversity are further expressed when incorporated in sachets, pillows, potpourri, bath salts, wearing apparel, massage oils, teas, culinary recipes, Christmas wreaths, lavender wands and floral arrangements.
Information excerpt from Dr. Lavender's Owner's manual and is provided by the Sequim Lavender Company, Sequim, WA. All rights reserved.
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