Antonio Mcgowan
Lavender is a popular scent for the home due to its calming properties, which can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation. There are many ways to refresh lavender flower fragrance, including drying the flowers, using lavender oil, and creating deodorizing sprays. To dry lavender, it is important to harvest the flowers at the right time, typically in the morning after any dew has dried, and to use sharp tools to cut the stems without crushing them. The flowers can then be hung or laid flat to dry for 2-4 weeks. Once dry, the buds can be stored in an airtight container or mason jar to preserve their fragrance. To refresh the scent of dried lavender, it can be crushed or mixed with lavender essential oil. This oil can also be used to create deodorizing sprays or air fresheners for the home.
How to refresh lavender flower fragrance
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Harvesting | In the morning after the dew has evaporated but before the heat of the day sets in |
| Tools | Clean, sharp pruners or scissors |
| Container | A clean, dry basket or bucket |
| Preservation | Store in an airtight container, mason jar, or vacuum-sealed bag |
| Drying | Hang in a cool, dark area with good airflow or lay flat on a drying rack or screen |
| Drying time | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Commercial products | Scented spray, refresher spray, perfume spray |
| Natural preservation | Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to dried buds |
| Natural preservation | Squeeze or crush the flowers to release their scent |
| Natural preservation | Sprinkle lavender petals on the carpet and furniture before vacuuming |
| Natural preservation | Sprinkle a mixture of baking soda and lavender oil on the mattress and vacuum before putting on the sheets |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right type of lavender for fragrance
There are over 400 varieties of lavender, but the most popular include English, French, Spanish, and Woolly.
English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the classic variety, with long spikes holding fragrant flowers. Some varieties tolerate heat better, while others bloom longer in cooler climates. Most flower in late spring to early summer. Even after they've slowed down, what remains is a silvery mound of intensely fragrant leaves. Prune your English lavender right after the first flowering and again in late August.
French lavender (Lavandula dentata) is known for its distinctively toothed leaves and is cherished for its long-lasting, subtly fragrant blooms. It is well-suited to milder climates without harsh winters. French lavenders are ornamental plants that work well in fast-draining containers and rock gardens. 'Goodwin Creek Grey' is a fragrant and compact variety with silver leaves that contrast with its deep purple blooms.
Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas) has silvery leaves and larger flowers with bigger, pine-cone-shaped petals at the top. They carry a eucalyptus fragrance and can tolerate a bit more humidity than most other varieties. 'Anouk' is a Spanish lavender variety with large flowers and lilac butterfly-like petals.
Woolly lavender (Lavandula lanata) is native to hot and dry hillsides in southern Spain. It is notable for its silvery foliage, with tall, deep purple flowers that contrast with its white leaves. Woolly lavender needs well-drained soil with little to no overhead watering.
When choosing the right type of lavender for fragrance, consider the climate and growing conditions, as well as the desired fragrance strength and aesthetic appeal. English lavender and its hybrids are known for their strong fragrance, while French lavender has a lighter fragrance. If you're looking for a variety that is both fragrant and compact, consider 'Goodwin Creek Grey' French lavender. For a variety that can tolerate more humidity, Spanish lavender is a good option.
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Harvesting lavender to retain its fragrance
Harvesting lavender at the right time is crucial to retaining its fragrance. The best time to harvest lavender is in the morning, after the dew has evaporated but before the heat of the day sets in. This is when the oils in the lavender are most concentrated, ensuring that the fragrance is at its peak.
When harvesting, you should cut the lavender stems just above the woody part of the plant, leaving a few inches of green growth behind. Use clean, sharp tools, such as garden shears, scissors, or a lavender sickle to make a clean cut and avoid crushing the stems.
The ideal time to harvest lavender is when about one-third to one-half of the flowers on each stem have opened. The flowers should still be vibrant in colour, but not overly mature. This ensures that the essential oils are concentrated in the flowers, which will yield the most fragrance. If you harvest lavender too early or too late, it can affect the quality of its fragrance and oil.
After harvesting, it is important to properly prepare the lavender for drying. First, inspect the stems and remove any damaged flowers, leaves, or debris. Then, gather 10 to 15 lavender stems and tie them together with twine or a rubber band. Make sure the bundle is tight enough to hold the stems together but not so tight that it crushes the flowers. Smaller bundles are recommended to allow for better airflow and even drying.
The traditional method of hanging lavender to dry is the most popular and effective. However, you can also lay the lavender flat on a drying rack or screen if space is limited. Place the lavender in a cool, dark area with good airflow and turn it every few days to ensure even drying. It typically takes 2 to 4 weeks for lavender to dry completely.
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Drying lavender to preserve its fragrance
Drying lavender is a great way to preserve its fragrance and beauty long after the growing season has ended. The first and most crucial step is to harvest the lavender at the optimal time. The ideal time for harvesting lavender is typically in the morning after any dew has dried but before it gets too hot. Harvest the flowers when their colour is most brilliant and their scent is the strongest, just as the first flowers are starting to bloom. This is when the essential oils are at their peak, and you can ensure that the dried lavender will retain a strong floral scent.
Once you have cut the lavender, you can prepare it for drying. First, inspect the lavender stems and remove any damaged flowers, leaves, or debris. Then, gather 10 to 15 lavender stems and tie them together with twine, yarn, thread, twist ties, rubber bands, or floral wire. Make sure the bundle is tight enough to hold the stems together but not so tight that it crushes the flowers. Smaller bundles are recommended because they allow for better airflow, reducing the risk of mould and helping the lavender dry evenly.
The traditional method of hanging lavender to dry is the most popular and effective. Hang the lavender bundles upside down in a warm, dry, and dark place. The darkness helps preserve the colour, while the cool, dry environment is perfect for drying without losing too much fragrance. Attics, garages, or closets work well for this. If you are hanging the lavender, make sure to choose a room that isn't too hot or cold and isn't humid. You can also lay the lavender on a screen or a block of wood in a warm, dry, and dark room.
It will take about one to three weeks for the lavender to dry completely. Check the bundles periodically to ensure they are drying evenly. Once your lavender is fully dry, proper storage is essential to preserving its fragrance and preventing mould or fading. Airtight containers, such as glass jars, metal tins, or sealed plastic bags, will preserve the lavender fragrance the longest and should prevent any mould or mildew from forming. To further preserve the fragrance, place your dried lavender buds in a container with uncooked rice. The rice absorbs excess moisture and also takes on the lavender scent.
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Storing dried lavender to maintain its fragrance
Storing dried lavender correctly is essential to maintaining its fragrance. The traditional method of hanging lavender to dry is the most popular and effective, but you can also dry lavender by laying it flat on a drying rack or screen. When drying, it's important to avoid direct sunlight and high heat, as this can cause the colour and fragrance to fade. Instead, opt for a cool, dark location with good airflow.
Once your lavender is fully dry, it's time to store it in airtight containers such as glass jars, metal tins, or sealed plastic bags. Keep the containers in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity. Sunlight, heat, and moisture can degrade the essential oils in the lavender, diminishing its fragrance and causing mould.
For smaller amounts of lavender, you can store it in muslin or fabric sachets. These can be placed in closets, drawers, or under pillows to impart their fragrance. If the scent of your dried lavender starts to fade, you can gently crush the buds to release more fragrance or add a few drops of lavender essential oil to the flowers.
With proper storage and care, dried lavender can retain its strong fragrance for upwards of 10 years.
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Using dried lavender to freshen your home
Preparing and Drying Lavender:
First, if you're planning to dry your own lavender, it's best to harvest it in the morning after the dew has evaporated but before the heat of the day. This ensures the lavender's fragrance is at its peak. Use sharp pruners or scissors to cut the stems, avoiding any damage to the flowers. Cut the stems to similar lengths and form small bundles, securing them with twine or rubber bands. Hang these bundles upside down in a cool, dry, and dark location with good airflow. Alternatively, you can lay the lavender flat on a drying rack or screen. The drying process typically takes 2-4 weeks, and you'll know it's ready when the stems snap easily and the flowers feel crispy.
Air Fresheners and Sprays:
You can create your own air fresheners and deodorizing sprays using dried lavender. Mix dried lavender with baking soda in a jar, adding drops of lavender essential oil until you achieve your desired scent strength. Place the jar uncovered in a room to enjoy the fragrance. For a spray, mix baking soda with lavender essential oil and distilled water in a spray bottle. You can also add other ingredients like vodka or peppermint oil for a unique scent.
Sachets and Potpourri:
Dried lavender can be placed in sachets or used as potpourri. Store small amounts of lavender in fabric sachets, placing them in closets, drawers, or under pillows to impart their fragrance. You can also create homemade drawer sachets to keep your clothes and linens smelling fresh while deterring pests. Potpourri made with dried lavender can be placed in decorative bowls or jars to freshen up any room.
Candles and Soaps:
Dried lavender flowers can be combined with essential oil and placed in mason jars with candles, adding both fragrance and decoration to your home. You can also use dried lavender to create your own natural goat milk hand soap or add it to your bath for a relaxing experience.
Vacuuming and Carpets:
Sprinkle dried lavender petals or a mixture of lavender oil and baking soda on your carpets and furniture before vacuuming to leave a pleasant scent in your living spaces. You can also add cotton balls with lavender oil to your vacuum bag to spread the fragrance as you clean.
Bedrooms and Mattresses:
Lavender is known for its soothing properties and can aid in improving sleep. Sprinkle a mixture of baking soda and lavender oil on your mattress, allowing it to sit for a few hours before vacuuming, to create a calming atmosphere in your bedroom. You can also place dried lavender sachets or eye pillows in your bedroom to promote relaxation.
With these methods, you can enjoy the wonderful fragrance of lavender and create a calming and pleasant environment in your home.
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Frequently asked questions
Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with 12 drops of lavender essential oil in a bowl. Pour the mixture into an empty spray bottle, and fill the rest of the bottle with distilled water. Shake the bottle to mix the contents, and spray the mixture around your house.
Mix 12 drops of lavender oil with half a cup of baking soda. Sprinkle this mixture over your carpet an hour or so before vacuuming.
Put a few drops of lavender essential oil on your lightbulbs. Alternatively, add a handful of lavender grains to your vacuum bag before hoovering.
Mix half a cup of baking soda with 12 drops of lavender oil. Sprinkle this mixture on your mattress and let it sit for a few hours. Vacuum the mattress before putting the sheets back on.
Mix two tablespoons of vodka with lavender essential oil. Place 12 drops of oil for every quarter-cup of vodka. Place the mixture in a spray bottle and use it around your house.
