The Spruce / Colleen and Shannon Graham
Harvesting lavender is a feast for the senses.
Just brushing up against the plant releases the soothing fragrance that lavender is known for best.
Itssignature scentmakes Lavender,Lavandula,one of the most versatile and beloved plants in the garden.
The Spruce / Colleen and Shannon Graham
No matter what variety you grow, all lavenders are harvested the same way.
When you harvest lavender, you are alsopruningit to encourage growth.
As soon as the plant sends up flower spikes, the lavender harvest begins.
The Spruce / Colleen and Shannon Graham
A number ofenvironmental conditionsaffect when your variety of lavender will bud out and bloom.
Watch for early blooms.
When harvested the right way, you might encourage your plant to produce more flowers.
The Spruce / Colleen and Shannon Graham
In early spring, a harvest of new leafy growth on mature plants can accelerate flower production.
Many varieties of lavender are tender perennials with a projected life span of about five years.
Avoid cuttingwoody, leafy stemsduring the growing season and restrict your harvest to budding or flowering stalks.
The Spruce / Colleen and Shannon Graham
Make a precise cut about 1/8 to 1/4 inch just above the new growth.
Place the cut stem in your basket.
The plant will send up two new flowering stems from this pruning.
The Spruce / Colleen and Shannon Graham
you’re free to safely take up to 2/3 of the plant at this time.
Harvesting too early can stimulate more growth which you don’t want since the lavender is moving intowinter dormancy.
Pruning too early in the spring can delay and stunt growth.
The Spruce / Colleen and Shannon Graham
Dead branches should be removed at the base of the plant.
The Spruce / Colleen and Shannon Graham
The Spruce / Colleen and Shannon Graham
