Harvest lavender stems when about one-third to one-half of the flowers are open
Cut stems in the morning after the dew has dried
Remove any damaged leaves or flowers
Gather stems into small bundles
Tie bundles tightly with string or rubber bands
Hang bundles upside down in a dark, dry, well-ventilated area
Keep bundles away from direct sunlight
Leave space between bundles for air circulation
Let lavender dry for 1 to 3 weeks
Check stems for dryness; they should feel crisp and brittle
Remove dried flowers from stems if desired
Store dried lavender in airtight containers or sealed bags
Keep stored lavender in a cool, dark place