6 Lavender Drying Methods For Tea That Preserve Natural Aroma

There’s nothing quite like the scent of lavender on a warm summer day, and capturing that aroma for a winter tea feels like bottling sunshine. But the magic isn’t in the growing; it’s in the drying. The method you choose will determine whether you end up with fragrant, flavorful buds or a jar of dusty potpourri.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

Harvesting and Prepping Lavender for Drying

The perfect harvest is all about timing. You want to cut the lavender stems when the buds have formed and swelled with color, but before most of the flowers have actually opened. This is when the essential oils are at their peak concentration. Wait too long, and the oils begin to dissipate as the flower spends its energy.

Aim for a dry morning, after the dew has evaporated but before the sun gets too hot. Use sharp shears to cut the stems, leaving a few inches of green growth on the plant. Once harvested, give the bundles a gentle shake to dislodge any insects, but do not wash them. Introducing water at this stage invites mold and complicates the drying process unnecessarily.

Traditional Air-Drying by Hanging Bundles

This is the classic, time-tested method for a reason: it works beautifully and requires no special equipment. Simply gather 20-30 stems into a bundle and secure them tightly with a rubber band or twine. A rubber band is often better, as it will continue to hold the bundle tight as the stems shrink during drying.

Find a location that is dark, dry, and has good air circulation. A spare closet, a dry corner of a garage, or an attic are all excellent choices. Hang the bundles upside down so the essential oils flow down into the flower buds rather than being lost in the stems.

The key here is patience. Depending on humidity, it can take two to four weeks for the lavender to dry completely. You’ll know it’s ready when the buds feel brittle and easily pop off the stem when you roll them between your fingers. This slow, gentle process preserves the delicate aromatic compounds better than almost any other method.

Flat Screen Drying for Individual Blossoms

Sometimes you don’t want to deal with whole stems. If you’ve already stripped the buds or want to dry only the individual blossoms, flat screen drying is your best bet. This method maximizes air exposure for each tiny bud, resulting in a quick and even dry.

You don’t need fancy equipment. An old, clean window screen propped up on blocks works perfectly. You can also build a simple frame with hardware cloth stapled to scrap wood. Spread the lavender buds in a single, thin layer across the screen, ensuring they aren’t piled on top of each other.

Place the screen in the same kind of location you would for hanging bundles—dark, with good airflow. Gently stir or turn the buds every day or two to ensure all sides are drying evenly. They should be fully dry in about a week, sometimes less, making this a great option if you’re short on time or hanging space.

Using a Food Dehydrator on a Low Setting

A food dehydrator offers speed and control, which can be a lifesaver in humid climates where air-drying is a struggle against mold. It provides consistent airflow and a stable temperature, taking the guesswork out of the process. This is the go-to for anyone who dries a lot of different herbs and wants reliable results.

The absolute most important rule is to use the lowest possible temperature setting, typically between 95-105°F (35-40°C). Any higher and you risk "cooking" the lavender, which will evaporate the very essential oils you’re trying to preserve. Your goal is to dehydrate, not bake.

Spread the lavender buds or short stems in a single layer on the dehydrator trays. Depending on the model and your specific conditions, it could take anywhere from two to six hours. Check on them frequently after the first hour. They’re done when they are brittle and crush easily, not when they are browned or overly fragrant during the drying process itself.

Low-Temperature Oven Drying with the Door Ajar

Using your oven is possible, but it should be considered a method of last resort. Ovens are designed to cook, not dehydrate, and it’s incredibly easy to scorch your delicate lavender. The risk of ruining your entire harvest is high, so proceed with extreme caution.

Set your oven to its absolute lowest temperature—many have a "warm" setting around 150-170°F (65-75°C), which is still hotter than ideal. Spread the lavender on a baking sheet in a thin layer. Crucially, you must prop the oven door open with a wooden spoon to allow moisture to escape and to keep the temperature from building up too much.

This method requires constant supervision. Check the lavender every 15-20 minutes. It can go from perfectly dried to burnt in a matter of minutes. This is not a "set it and forget it" technique; it’s an active, hands-on process for when you have no other choice.

The Paper Bag Method to Catch Falling Buds

This is a clever twist on traditional air-drying that solves a common problem: losing your precious buds. As lavender bundles dry, the buds become brittle and can fall off with the slightest disturbance. The paper bag method not only contains this mess but captures every last bit of your harvest.

Prepare your lavender bundle as you would for hanging. Place the entire bundle, flower-side down, inside a paper bag. Secure the top of the bag around the stems with twine, then poke several holes in the bag for ventilation. Hang the bag in your chosen drying spot.

As the lavender dries over the next few weeks, any buds that fall will be safely collected at the bottom of the bag. When the stems are fully dry, you can give the whole bag a good shake to dislodge the remaining buds. It’s an efficient, clean, and wonderfully simple way to ensure nothing goes to waste.

Quick Microwave Drying for Small Batches

Microwave drying is the fastest method by a long shot, but it’s also the most destructive to the lavender’s delicate aroma and flavor. The intense, rapid heating can easily scorch the buds and vaporize the essential oils. Use this method only for very small, experimental batches or if you need a tiny amount of dried lavender right now.

Place a single layer of lavender buds between two paper towels on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high power in 20-second intervals. After each interval, check the lavender. It can take anywhere from 40 seconds to two minutes to fully dry.

Let the buds cool completely before testing for doneness. You’re walking a fine line between damp and burnt, and there is very little room for error. This is not the recommended method for tea, as the resulting flavor and aroma will be a pale imitation of what you get from slower, more gentle drying techniques.

Storing Dried Lavender to Maintain Potency

Proper storage is just as important as proper drying. Your hard work can be undone in a few weeks if the dried lavender is exposed to its enemies: light, air, and moisture. Your goal is to protect the fragile essential oils from degradation.

The best storage container is an airtight glass jar kept in a dark place, like a pantry or cupboard. Clear glass is fine as long as it’s not sitting out on a sunny countertop. Avoid plastic bags or containers, as they can leech flavors and don’t always provide a perfect seal against air.

Before sealing the jar for long-term storage, be absolutely certain the lavender is 100% dry. Seal one bud in a small zip-top bag for 24 hours. If you see any condensation form inside the bag, the lavender needs more drying time. Storing even slightly damp lavender is a guaranteed recipe for mold.

Ultimately, the best drying method is the one that fits your climate, your equipment, and your patience. Whether you choose the slow romance of air-drying or the controlled speed of a dehydrator, the reward is the same. A fragrant, calming cup of tea, straight from your own garden.