Dried Lavender Bunches from Castle Farm Kent: Crafted with Care, Grown with Expertise
At Castle Farm Kent, dried lavender is one of our key summer harvest staples — a craft we’ve refined over decades. From choosing the right variety to perfecting the drying process, every step is designed to preserve colour, structure, and fragrance. The result? Beautiful dried lavender bunches that look as good in winter as they do at the height of summer.
Why Variety Matters: The Power of ‘Folgate’ Lavender
Not all lavender is created equal, especially when it comes to drying. That’s why we exclusively use Lavandula angustifolia ‘Folgate’ for our dried lavender bunches.
‘Folgate’ is prized for its deep, rich blue flowers and strong, upright stems — qualities that make it ideal for drying. When dried correctly, it retains a darker colour than many other varieties, giving our bunches their signature look and long-lasting appeal.
We also cut and dry the traditional Lavandin variety 'Grosso' which they are known for growing and harvesting in Provence, France - this is a much stronger scented variety, but dries a paler grey-blue colour.
Harvesting at Dawn: Timing Is Everything
Each summer, more than 35,000 lavender bunches are hand-cut on our Kent farm specifically for drying. Harvest timing is critical. To capture the lavender at its absolute peak, our team starts cutting as early as 5 am, often continuing through until 6 or 7 pm.
Cutting by hand allows us to select only the best stems, ensuring consistent quality across every bunch. This careful approach helps preserve both the flower shape and the natural oils that give lavender its distinctive scent.
A Carefully Controlled Drying Process
Once harvested, the fresh lavender is dried using hot air kilns over several days. This method allows the flowers to dry evenly and thoroughly, preventing mould while protecting colour and structure.
After drying, every single bunch is hand-checked. Only those that meet our exacting standards move on to the next stage. The approved bunches are then stored in carefully controlled humidity conditions, helping them maintain their deep blue colour and overall quality.
Timeless Beauty for Your Home
Our dried lavender bunches are designed to be enjoyed all year round. Displayed in a vase, they bring a natural elegance to any room — from country cottages to modern interiors. Their soft colour and gentle form make them a versatile decorative choice, whether styled alone or alongside dried grasses and flowers.
Keeping the Lavender Scent Alive
Over time, dried lavender’s natural fragrance will gently fade. To refresh it, simply add a few drops of our Castle Farm lavender essential oil to the bunch. This instantly revives that unmistakable summer scent, filling your home with a calm, soothing aroma.
Trusted Experts in Dried Lavender
At Castle Farm Kent, lavender is what we do — and we do it properly. Our experience, attention to detail, and commitment to quality mean you can trust that every dried lavender bunch has been grown, harvested, and prepared with care.
Whether you’re decorating your home, marking a special occasion, or searching for a thoughtful, natural gift, our dried lavender bunches offer timeless beauty straight from the Kent countryside.
If you’re looking for truly exceptional dried lavender, Castle Farm Kent is where it begins.
