In a method of synthesizing a crystalline molecular sieve, a reaction mixture is formed comprising a source of phosphorus, a source of aluminum, at least one organic directing agent and, optionally, a source of silicon and crystallization of the reaction mixture is induced to form a slurry comprising the desired crystalline molecular sieve. The slurry is then maintained in contact with a flocculant for a period of 12 hours to 30 days before the crystalline molecular sieve is recovered from said slurry.