We’re glad you came to Lavender U-Pick Days! You may be wondering how to take care of your bouquet of lavender (or bouquets of lavender) and what to do with them now that you have them. Weve got you covered with this U-Pick Bouquet Care Guide.
With its pleasant fragrance and pretty purple blooms, it’s no wonder dried lavender is a popular addition to flower arrangements and home decor. But does dried lavender need to be placed in water like fresh cut flowers? Or is it better kept high and dry? Read on to learn the proper care and handling of dried lavender.
Storing Dried Lavender
The key to preserving dried lavender’s color texture, and aromatic scent is keeping it away from moisture. Exposure to water will cause the delicate blooms and foliage to become soggy, stained and moldy.
Instead properly cured lavender should be stored in a cool dry spot out of direct sunlight. Recommended storage tips include
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Place dried stems in a vase or bouquet without water. The stems don’t require hydration.
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Hang bundles of lavender upside down in a dark cabinet or closet. This prevents dust from settling on the flowers.
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Decant loose dried buds into an airtight glass jar kept in a cupboard. Add a packet of silica gel to absorb any residual moisture.
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For long-term storage put lavender in an airtight plastic bag after sealing out all air. Place in the freezer to preserve the essential oils.
Using Dried Lavender
There are many decorative and practical uses for dried lavender that don’t involve immersing it in water:
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Bind small bundles with string to make mini sachets. Place in drawers for a pleasant scent.
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Sew buds into small cloth pouches. Display them around the home as potpourri.
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Mix dried lavender with sea salt or baking soda to make scented bath salts.
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Add a tablespoon or two of buds to homemade body scrubs, lotions, or massage oils.
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Use dry stems for crafts like wreaths, potpourri jars, pressed flower art, and lavender wands.
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Mix dried lavender into candle or soap making projects for natural scent and color.
When to Add Water
While dried lavender itself shouldn’t get wet, there are some instances where you can incorporate it into water-based projects:
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Make lavender infused water for cooking, cocktails, or DIY sprays by steeping buds in hot water. Strain out flowers after.
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Add dried lavender to the water of floral foam arrangements. Just avoid submerging the stems directly.
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Use lavender in potpourri jars filled with water. Float buds on top instead of fully immersing. Replace water weekly.
Frequency of Entities:
lavender: 16
dried: 15
water: 10
flowers: 3
place: 3
uses: 2
fragrance: 2
scent: 2
aroma: 2
Dry your lavender bouquet
You will only need a rubber band, a paper clip, and a dark place to hang your lavender bouquet to dry. First, cut off the bottom of the stems that have been in water. Next, put the rubber band around the stems of your bouquet. Then unfold your paper clip into an “s” shape and hook one end onto the rubber band. Hang your bouquet upside down in a dark room. Drying it in the dark helps it retain its color. It will take at least a few days to dry completely.
Enjoy your fresh lavender bouquet
You picked the lavender right from the field, so why not enjoy it that way? Put a half-inch of water in your favorite vase and fill it with lavender. Replace the water every day. Lavender doesn’t last very long in a vase, so it’s best to let your bouquet dry after a few days. That way, itll last forever!.
A different option is to hang your fresh bundle in your shower. The steam will release the lavender scent for an extra relaxing shower time!.
How to Dry Lavender Tip (Plus the most interesting use for dried lavender)
FAQ
How do you keep dried lavender alive?
How long does dried lavender last in a vase?
What happens when you soak lavender in water?