How to Preserve Dried Lavender

Harvest lavender early in the morning when the blooms are at their peak. Cut lavender with gardening sheers or scissors 4 to 5 inches below the bloom if you are drying them in bundles. Avoid cutting into the woody part of the stem; instead make cuts where the stem is green.

Gather cut lavender into bundles. If you're drying a large quantity of lavender at one time, gather about a hundred stems together per bunch. Secure the bundles with a rubber band. Twine or wire may also be used, but rubber bands tend to hold the lavender bundles more firmly together for easier hanging.

Hang lavender bundles upside down to dry. When drying lavender, keep bundles out of direct sunlight and hang them upside down in a well-ventilated, dry area for two to three weeks.

Store dried flowers in an airtight bag or container. Place dried flowers in food storage bags or containers until you're ready to use them.

Make wreaths, potpourri, or hang lavender bundles in house to freshen rooms. If kept out of direct sunlight, lavender will keep its purple blooms and scent for about a year. Once the blooms and smell start to fade, make sachets out of the blooms for a continued light lavender scent.