How to dry verbena: a complete guide

How to dry verbena : cut the flowering stems in the morning, gather them into small bunches and hang them upside down in a dry, airy place away from direct light for ten to fifteen days.

• Harvest the stems before or just at the beginning of flowering for maximum aroma.
• There are three main methods: air drying, low-temperature oven drying, and dehydrator drying.
• Successful drying preserves the essential oils and aromatic compounds of the plant.
• Store the dried leaves in an airtight glass jar, away from light.
• Properly dried verbena can be kept for up to a year without any noticeable loss of fragrance.

Why properly drying verbena makes all the difference

Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) contains volatile essential oils responsible for its characteristic lemony scent. Drying it too quickly at high temperatures or prolonged exposure to sunlight degrades these aromatic compounds and reduces the quality of your herbal teas.

Slow drying, away from light and with good air circulation, actually concentrates the aromas while eliminating residual moisture. It is this moisture that causes mold if the plant is stored too soon.

Understanding how to dry verbena correctly ensures long-term preservation and a taste true to the fresh plant. Every step, from harvesting to storage, is important.

The right time to harvest before drying

The harvest directly influences the quality of the drying process. Verbena reaches its maximum aromatic concentration just before or at the very beginning of its flowering, generally between June and September depending on your region. It is at this stage that the leaves are richest in fragrant compounds.

Choose a sunny morning, ideally after the dew has evaporated. The stems will then be less damp, which facilitates drying and reduces the risk of mold growth. Avoid harvesting after recent rain.

Cut stems 20 to 30 centimeters long using clean pruning shears. Select healthy stems, free of blemishes or insects. For more information on caring for your plant, see our guide on planting and caring for verbena.

Should you wash the verbena before drying it?

The question of washing herbs divides opinion among herb enthusiasts. Washing the stems before drying them adds moisture and lengthens the drying time, which can promote mold growth if rinsing is not followed by careful drying.

If your plants are grown in a clean garden, free from pesticides and visible pollution, a simple shake to remove insects and dust is usually sufficient. However, if the leaves show traces of soil or treatment, a quick rinse in cold water followed by drying on absorbent paper is recommended.

For a detailed answer on this specific point, our dedicated article explains whether you should wash verbena before drying it depending on the different situations.

Method 1: Air drying in bunches

This is the traditional method, the most respectful of the aromas and the least demanding. Gather five to ten stems into small bunches and tie them with kitchen twine or an elastic band. Hang them upside down in a dry, well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight: an attic, a well-ventilated shed, or a hallway is ideal.

Drying time varies depending on the ambient humidity and the thickness of the stems. Generally, allow ten to fifteen days. The leaves are ready when they easily wrinkle between the fingers and produce a slightly crisp sound.

Ensure the bouquets do not touch each other: good air circulation around each bouquet is essential. Avoid humid rooms such as the kitchen or bathroom, where steam would slow down the process and could cause the stems to mold.

• Ideal for large quantities harvested all at once.
• No special equipment required.
• The slowness of the process preserves the essential oils in the best possible way.
• Suitable for both lemon verbena and common verbena.

Method 2: Drying on a rack or absorbent paper

If you have limited space for hanging bouquets, drying them flat on a rack or absorbent paper is an excellent alternative. Detach the leaves from the stems and spread them in a single layer on the chosen surface. Do not overlap them: each leaf should be in contact with the air.

Place the rack in a dry, well-ventilated area. Turn the leaves over once a day to ensure even drying. This method is slightly faster than drying in bunches: allow approximately five to ten days, depending on ambient conditions.

Absorbent paper absorbs the moisture released by the leaves, slightly speeding up the process. Change it if you find it's very damp after 24 hours. This technique is particularly suitable for small quantities or leaves harvested individually.

Method 3: How to dry verbena in the oven

The oven is a quick solution when time is short or the humidity is too high for air drying. Preheat your oven to the lowest possible temperature, ideally between 40 and 50°C. Above this temperature, the essential oils evaporate and the verbena loses much of its fragrance.

Arrange the leaves or stems in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave the oven door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape. This precaution is essential: a closed oven creates condensation that slows down the drying process.

Check every thirty minutes. Oven drying time generally varies between one and three hours depending on the thickness of the sheets and the initial moisture content. The sheets are ready when they snap cleanly under the fingers without bending.

• A quick method, suitable for rainy days or days of high humidity.
• Requires regular monitoring to prevent overheating.
• The result is slightly less aromatic than slow air drying.
• Ideal for small quantities that need to dry quickly.

Method 4: How to dry verbena in a dehydrator

A food dehydrator is the most precise tool for drying verbena. It maintains a constant temperature and ensures even air circulation, guaranteeing consistent drying without the risk of overheating. Spread the leaves in a single layer on the dehydrator trays.

Set the temperature between 35 and 45°C. At this temperature range, the essential oils are preserved and the drying process remains effective. The drying time varies between two and six hours depending on the thickness of the leaves and the type of appliance used.

Check the texture of the leaves every hour starting from the second hour. They should be dry to the touch, slightly crisp, and no longer pliable. Over-drying in the dehydrator can brown the leaves and alter their flavor.

Comparative table of drying methods

How to tell if the verbena is completely dry

A simple test can check if the drying is complete: take a sheet of paper between your fingers and try to bend it. A properly dried sheet will snap cleanly and make a slight crackling sound. If it bends without breaking or remains pliable, it still contains too much moisture and needs to dry further.

Also observe the color: well-dried leaves retain a green hue, sometimes slightly darker than when fresh. Brown or black spots indicate overheating or the beginning of mold. In this case, remove the affected leaves before storing the rest.

Scent is another reliable indicator. Properly dried verbena still gives off a clear, lemony fragrance when the leaves are crushed between the fingers. A dull, absent, or slightly musty scent signals a problem with the drying or storage.

Storing dried verbena: best practices

Once the drying process is complete, storage is the step that will determine the shelf life of your harvest. Detach the leaves from the stems if you dried them in bunches, then place them in an airtight glass jar. Glass is preferable to plastic, which can absorb aromas and alter them over time.

Store the jar in a cool, dry, and dark place: a kitchen cupboard or cabinet away from heat sources is ideal. Avoid placing the jar directly on the worktop, where temperature fluctuations and light accelerate the degradation of the aromas.

Under good conditions, dried verbena retains its aromatic properties for about a year. After that, it remains usable, but its fragrance gradually weakens. Label each jar with the harvest date to easily keep track of your stock.

• Airtight glass jar with rubber seal.
• A cool, dry place, away from light and heat.
• Label with harvest date and variety.
• Monthly check for the absence of mold or abnormal odor.
• Ideally consumed within twelve months of harvest.

Use dried verbena in herbal teas and in cooking

Once you know how to dry lemon verbena, you can use it in many ways. Infusion remains the most common use: steep one to two teaspoons of dried leaves in simmering water for five to ten minutes. Cover your cup while it steeps to prevent the volatile aromas from escaping.

Dried verbena is also used in cooking: it pleasantly flavors desserts, sorbets, flavored vinegars, and marinades. Combined with mint, it makes a refreshing and digestive drink. To discover all the ways to prepare your infusion, consult our complete guide to making verbena herbal tea.

If you wish to explore the benefits this plant can provide when brewed, our article on the benefits of verbena infusion will give you an overview of what science says on the subject.

Varieties of verbena: which one should be dried first?

Not all verbenas are created equal in terms of aroma and use in herbal teas. Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora), also known as fragrant verbena, is the most prized for drying thanks to its intense lemon scent and high essential oil content. It is the one most commonly used in herbal teas.

Common vervain (Verbena officinalis), more subtle in aroma, is more commonly used in traditional herbal medicine. It is dried in the same way as lemon verbena, but its flavor is less pronounced when brewed.

Verbenabonariensis, on the other hand, is primarily an ornamental plant. If you'd like to know when and how to prune it to care for it in the garden, our article on pruning Verbena bonariensis will guide you step by step. For lemon verbena specifically, see our guide on how to prune lemon verbena.

The taste of dried verbena: what to expect

Dried verbena offers a mild, lemony, and slightly floral flavor, less intense than the fresh plant but more concentrated if dried properly. Drying at a low temperature preserves the aromatic nuances better than drying too quickly at high heat.

If your dried verbena tastes bland or lacks aroma, several factors could be responsible: harvesting too late in the season, exposure to light during drying, excessively high temperatures, or storage in a non-airtight container. To better understand the nuances of flavor in this herb, our article on the taste of verbena details what you can expect.

Combined with mint, dried verbena makes a wonderfully complementary infusion. To explore this combination, our guide to verbena and mint tea and its benefits presents the best ways to blend them.

Common mistakes to avoid when drying verbena

The first mistake is harvesting stems that are too damp, either right after rain or early in the morning before the dew evaporates. This surface moisture significantly slows down drying and promotes mold growth, especially in bouquets where air doesn't circulate as well within the stems.

The second mistake is drying at too high a temperature, whether in the oven or a dehydrator. Above 50°C (122°F), the volatile aromatic compounds evaporate rapidly, and the verbena loses most of its fragrance. Patience is key to proper drying.

The third mistake is storing verbena before it is completely dry. A leaf that is still slightly supple releases moisture into the jar, creating an environment conducive to mold that can contaminate the entire harvest in a few days.

• Do not harvest after rain or before the dew has evaporated.
• Do not exceed 50°C to preserve the aromas.
• Do not store until the leaves are completely dry.
• Do not expose the bouquets to direct sunlight while drying.
• Do not pack too many stems into a single bouquet: air must circulate freely.
• Do not store in airtight plastic bags that retain residual moisture.

Drying verbena in an apartment: it's possible

Don't have a garden or attic? Drying verbena in an apartment is perfectly feasible. Choose the driest and best-ventilated room in your home: a bedroom with a slightly open window or a well-ventilated hallway works well. Avoid the kitchen and bathroom, which are too humid.

Hang your bouquets from a hanger or rod, or spread the leaves on a wire rack placed on a piece of furniture. If your apartment is particularly humid, a low-temperature oven or a dehydrator will be your best allies for reliable results.

In an apartment, air drying may take slightly longer than in a rural setting or in a house with an attic, due to often less ventilation. Be patient and regularly check the leaves for any signs of mold.

Frequently asked questions about how to dry verbena

How long does it take to dry verbena in the open air?

Air drying generally takes between ten and fifteen days. This timeframe varies depending on the ambient humidity, the size of the bunches, and the ventilation of the drying area. In a particularly dry and well-ventilated location, the leaves can be ready in a week. In a poorly ventilated apartment or in humid weather, allow two to three weeks. Regularly check the texture of the leaves to ensure they are ready when they are.

Can verbena be dried in the sun?

It is not recommended to dry verbena in direct sunlight. UV rays and intense heat quickly degrade the essential oils responsible for the plant's lemony scent. Sun drying can also cause the leaves to yellow or brown. Always choose a shady, dry, and well-ventilated spot to preserve the aromatic quality of your harvest.

How to dry verbena quickly?

To dry lemon verbena quickly, use a dehydrator set between 35 and 45°C (95 and 113°F) or an oven at its lowest temperature with the door slightly ajar. Both methods will produce dried leaves in two to six hours with a dehydrator, and one to three hours with an oven. Be careful not to exceed 50°C (122°F) to preserve the aroma. Check regularly and remove the leaves as soon as they begin to break easily.

Should the leaves be removed from the stems before drying the verbena?

This isn't mandatory. You can dry the verbena whole, which is more practical for drying in hanging bouquets. The leaves are then easily removed once dry, as they detach effortlessly. If you opt for drying flat on a rack or in a dehydrator, it's more practical to separate the leaves beforehand to ensure even drying and better air circulation.

How can you tell if verbena is dry enough to be stored?

A properly dried leaf will break cleanly between your fingers with a slight crack, without bending or remaining pliable. It will still give off a noticeable lemony scent when crushed. If the leaf bends without breaking, it still contains too much moisture and needs to dry further before being stored. Premature storage risks causing mold to grow in the jar and contaminating the entire harvest within a few days.

What type of container should I use to store dried verbena?

An airtight glass jar is the ideal container for storing dried verbena. It preserves the aroma, doesn't absorb odors, and allows you to visually monitor the condition of the leaves. Avoid plastic bags, which can retain slight residual moisture and alter the fragrance. Place the jar in a cupboard away from light and heat. Label it with the harvest date to keep track of your freshness.

Does dried verbena retain the same properties as fresh verbena?

Dried verbena retains most of its aromatic properties when dried at a low temperature and away from light. Its fragrance is slightly less intense than when fresh, but often more concentrated once brewed. However, drying too quickly at high temperatures can degrade some of the plant's compounds. For use as an herbal tea, verbena dried under good conditions is quite comparable to the fresh plant.

Can verbena and mint be dried together?

You can dry verbena and mint separately using the same methods, then mix them together once dry. It's not recommended to dry them in the same bunch or on the same rack, as their drying times may differ and their aromas could blend unevenly. Once dried separately, mix them in the proportions you prefer and store the mixture in an airtight jar.

How much verbena do you need to harvest to have enough for the winter?

Verbena loses a significant amount of its volume when dried: expect about five to ten times more fresh than dried. To build up a sufficient supply for winter, plan several harvests throughout the summer rather than one large harvest. Prune your plant regularly to encourage regrowth and ensure a supply of fresh stems all summer long.

Can dried verbena get moldy in the jar?

Yes, dried verbena can mold if stored before it's completely dry, or if the jar isn't perfectly airtight. Significant temperature fluctuations can also cause condensation inside the jar. Visually inspect your supply once a month. At the first sign of mold (white spots, musty smell), discard the entire batch to avoid any risk and don't keep any questionable leaves.

Can verbena be dried and used for something other than herbal tea?

Absolutely. Dried verbena is used in cooking to flavor desserts, sorbets, creams, and flavored vinegars. It can also be placed in small fabric sachets to scent linens or closets. In cooking, use it sparingly, as its concentrated aroma is more potent than when fresh. It pairs well with citrus fruits, vanilla, and honey in sweet preparations.

How can you dry verbena if you don't have a dehydrator or a suitable oven?

Without a dehydrator or low-temperature oven, air drying remains the best option. Hang small bunches in the driest and best-ventilated spot you have. If your home is very humid, place the bunches near a radiator that's turned off or an open window on dry days. You can also spread the leaves on absorbent paper and turn them over daily. Patience makes up for the lack of specialized equipment.

Key takeaways

Knowing how to dry verbena is a simple skill that can be quickly acquired and allows you to enjoy the aromas of this plant all year round. Whether you choose air drying, oven drying, or dehydration, the golden rule remains the same: low temperature, darkness, and good air circulation.

The quality of your herbal tea depends directly on the quality of the drying process. Verbena harvested at the right time, dried slowly, and stored in an airtight jar away from light will provide you with a fragrant and flavorful infusion for several months.

Start now: choose the method that suits your situation, harvest your first stems and embark on your first home drying.