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    Home » Farmhouse DIY

    How To Dry Rose Petals - Preserve Your Blooms

    Published: Jul 26, 2022 · Modified: Mar 12, 2024 by Chey Mullin · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    Roses bloom in perfusion in the summer months, gracing us with an amazing aromatic fragrance when in full bloom. These fabulous flowers are also easy to dry, and the rose petals can be used in many different ways once dried. Learn how to dry rose petals, and preserve some of your fresh blooms for future use.

    pink roses in a basket and on a wooden railing, picked for drying
    drying rose petals will help to preserve them for future use- freshly harvested roses for drying

    This year I pruned my climbing rose, and as a result had prolific blooms on the plant.

    It was a perfect time to harvest these fabulous flowers, and to make dried rose petals to use throughout the year.

    Dried rose petals are a wonderful natural and organic product right from the garden, and have many versatile uses once dried.

    Roses are edible flowers, and dried petals can be used in the kitchen to decorate your baking projects. The petals are the perfect finishing touch on iced cakes and cookies, especially those made for a romantic occasion.

    Use them in crafting, and as an ingredient in potpourri.

    They can also be used to make confetti, which is a personal favorite.

    Before discussing the various ways for drying, let's first have a look at harvesting the roses to obtain the petals for drying.

    a hand giving a pink rose
    harvesting roses for drying, from one flower farmer to another
    In This Article: hide
    When To Harvest Rose Petals For Drying
    How To Dry Rose Petals
    How Long Do Dried Rose Petals Last?
    How To Store Dried Rose Petals
    How To Use Dried Rose Petals
    Conclusion
    Other Posts You May Like:
    PIN IT FOR LATER!

    When To Harvest Rose Petals For Drying

    As with all cut flowers harvested for drying, harvest in the morning hours on a dry day, after the morning dew has evaporated from the blooms. This is the time when flowers are in their most hydrated form.

    Even though the flowers will be dried eventually, it's best to start the process with petals that are in top notch condition.

    Consider harvesting rose blooms for drying from the freshest roses on the bush or cane.

    The freshest blooms are those that have just opened up, and are still plump and healthy in appearance.

    harvest from the freshest of blooms- removing the rose from the bush

    As the blooms age they begin to fade. They generally will fade in color, and in texture, and will open more fully as they mature.

    The more mature blooms will likely turn brown at the edges. Then eventually they begin to drop their petals, as the flower finishes blooming.

    You will usually find flowers in different stages on the plant. Chose the freshest blooms to harvest for drying.

    Another point to consider is to chose blooms for drying that are free from pesticides, and that have been grown organically. This is especially important if you will be using your dried petals to decorate food, or using them in tea.

    Do not use store bought roses for drying, unless they are certified organic.

    Many roses bought at the florist or big box stores are imported, and are often treated with chemicals.

    Best to be safe and choose organic blooms.

    a hand holding rose buds harvested for pressing
    picking rose buds to dry as well

    How To Dry Rose Petals

    There are many different methods for drying flower petals, and we will review some of these methods for drying roses. Most methods are generally very easy, and take no time at all.

    I omitted covering the silica gel method in this post, as this method should not be used if you plan to consume the rose petals. Silica gel is great for drying roses, although only if using them in non culinary projects.

    If you are looking to dry rose petals or roses in general with silica gel, check out this post on HOW TO DRY FLOWERS WITH SILICA GEL.

    pink climbing rose flower
    the petals on this pink climbing rose are perfect for drying

    1. Air Dry Method

    Drying rose petals with the air-drying method is probably one of the easiest ways of drying them. It will take just a few days longer than some of the other methods in which heat and forced air are applied.

    If you are not in a hurry, this method will work very well. It's also a great method for drying lots of petals at once.

    a bowl of pink roses with petals and roses outside the bowl as well
    separate the petals from the flowers

    To Air Dry Rose Petals:

    • Separate the rose petals from each bloom by holding the stem firmly at the base of the rose petals, and pulling the complete flower away from the base of the stem. The petals should easily pull away from the stem into your hand.
    • Alternatively, you can also pull the petals off one at a time, from the outside of the bloom, starting with the outermost petals first.
    a hand holding a pink rose for drying
    petals can be pulled off all at once, or one at a time
    • Lay the petals out in a single layer on top of a baking sheet covered with paper towel. The paper helps to wick away any moisture from the petals, as they are still full of moisture at this point, even if they feel dry to the touch.
    • Place the baking sheet with the layer of petals in a dark place, and in a warm area with good air circulation, away from direct sunlight.
    • Within several days the petals should be dry and crispy.
    • This is my preferred method, as I found that the petals retained more of their original color as they gradually dried.
    air drying rose petals on paper towel on a bowl
    air drying rose petals
    air dried rose petals in a mason jar
    air dried rose petals in a mason jar

    2. Dry In A Dehydrator

    Drying rose petals in the food dehydrator is quick and easy.

    To Dehydrate Rose Petals:

    • Remove the petals from the roses, using the same process as described.
    • Place the rose petals in a single layer on the dehydrator racks.
    two dehydrator trays covered with rose petals for drying
    cover the dehydrator trays with a single layer of rose petals
    • Set the temperature on the dehydrator to 135°F, similar to the temperature required for dehydrating fruits and herbs. The roses will blow around inside the dehydrator, especially when they become dry.
    • Just make sure to get all the bits of petals as you empty the dehydrator.
    • Remove them from the unit as soon as they are done, and allow the petals to cool to air temperature.
    • Depending on the size of your rose petals, the blooms can be completely dry using this method in approximately one hour.
    • If there is still some moisture in the flowers, you will be able to tell by the texture of the petals. If there is still some pliability in the petals, more drying is required.
    • The petals are dried when they are crispy and firm.
    dehydrated rose petals
    dehydrated rose petals
    dehydrated rose petals are so easy to make
    dehydrated rose petals are so easy to make

    3. Oven Dry Method

    The oven drying method using a conventional oven is another quick and easy technique for drying rose petals.

    It's a bit quicker than with the dehydrator method, as the oven temperature setting will be slightly higher.

    To Oven Dry Rose Petals:

    • Place the rose petals in a single layer on a baking sheet.
    rose petals laid out on a baking tray in a single layer, with several whole pink roses in front of the tray
    lay the rose petals out on a baking tray in a single layer
    rose petals on a baking sheet prepared for drying in the oven
    rose petals prepared for drying in the oven
    • Set the oven to the lowest temperature possible on the dial. My oven goes down to 170°F.
    • Preheat the oven before drying the rose petals.
    • When the oven is preheated, place the baking sheet with rose petals into the oven on the middle rack.
    • Keep an eye on the drying process, since the petals will brown if they become burned.
    • Heat the petals for approximately 10 minutes, then continue drying, checking at five minute intervals until the petals are completely dry. Remove from the oven when you have dry and crisp petals.
    • My petals took 20 minutes to dry in the oven.
    • Drying time will be dependent on the size and thickness of the rose petals.

    I found that the oven drying method tends to mute the color of the petals, more so than when compared with all the other methods.

    The petals dried with this method were more ivory in color, and lost the shades of pink from the fresh blooms.

    oven dried rose petals in a white bowl
    oven dried rose petals

    They were however, just as beautiful.

    4. Dry In The Microwave

    Drying rose petals in the microwave is also quick and easy.

    wild rose petals for drying , in a basket on a wooden railing
    wild rose petals foraged for drying in the microwave
    a hand holding up a pink wild rose flower
    wild roses are simple flowers, and the petals are easy to remove

    To Dry Rose Petals In The Microwave:

    • For the microwave method you will need some paper towels and a microwave-safe plate.
    • Cover the plate with a piece of paper towel. 
    • Place the rose petals in a single layer on top of the paper towel.
    a bowl of rose petals, in front of a plate of rose petals to be dried in the microwave
    drying rose petals in the microwave is very easy and quick
    rose petals on a paper towel ready to be microwaved
    • Microwave the petals in increments of 30 seconds, until the flower petals become crispy and dry. Generally the petals will be done in about two minutes.
    • Once you know how long it will take for the petals to dry in your own microwave oven, you can dry the next batch without increments.
    • Microwave drying times can vary with different brands of microwaves, so it's best to start slowly at first to make sure that the petals don't burn.
    • The size and thickness of the rose petals will also affect the drying time.
    rose petals dried in the microwave
    rose petals dried in the microwave

    5. Dry In A Flower Press

    Drying in a flower press is a fun technique.

    a wooden flower press on a wooden railing, topped with pink roses
    drying in a flower press can be lots of fun

    Rose petals will be dried by compression, and will become completely flat. The petals will retain much of their beauty with this drying process.

    Pressing whole roses and halved rose buds is also possible, to add to your collection of rose petals.

    The process of pressing flowers is discussed in more detail in this post, HOW TO PRESS FLOWERS – 5 WAYS TO PRESS EVERLASTINGS.

    To Dry Rose Petals In A Flower Press:

    • When pressing whole flowers, open them up to expose the centre of the flower.
    • Place the blooms face first on the press, and dry them pressed down in this position.
    • When pressing rose petals and flowers in a press, sandwich the blooms and petals between two pieces of paper, which are then sandwiched between two pieces of cardboard.
    • This unit is then pressed between two pieces of wood, and compressed further by tightening a set of bolts and wing nuts to flatten the flowers.
    • This method will take more time than some of the others. Allow up to two weeks of pressing time to dry the petals completely.
    a hand holding a pink rose in front of a flower press
    petals and blooms will be sandwiched, then pressed inside the flower press

    I use a store bought wooden flower press, as well as a larger diy flower press for pressing roses and other garden blooms.

    6. Dry In An Old Book

    Drying rose petals and rose buds in an old book is a traditional way of drying flowers. This method of drying also involves pressing.

    If you have lots of rose petals to dry, consider using an old phone book or catalogue.

    To Dry Rose Petals In A Book:

    • Place rose petals between pieces of paper towel, and place between the pages of the book. If you have a large phone book you will have lots of space and pages into which to put your rose petals.
    • Place the book under a heavy object and allow the petals to dry for several weeks.
    roses dried and pressed in a book
    drying rose petals by pressing in a book is a more traditional way of drying
    cutting a rosebud in half with scissors
    cutting rosebuds in half will help with the pressing of the petals

    How Long Do Dried Rose Petals Last?

    Dried rose petals can last up to several years, and even longer depending on how they are stored, and their planned usage.

    If using for culinary purposes, use the petals within one year.

    If using for confetti or other dried flower projects, you can keep the petals as long as they remain intact.

    Over time they will eventually break down, especially if they are very brittle.

    The important thing to know is that you can keep making more every gardening season, when the roses are in bloom.

    dried rose petals in a bowl
    dried rose petals can be stored for one to three years, depending on what they will be used for

    How To Store Dried Rose Petals

    Store the dried rose petals in an airtight container. I like to use glass jars, such as mason jars, which are great for displaying the dried petals as well.

    Proper storage will help the petals last longer.

    Keep the jars stored in a cool, dark and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Sunlight will fade the colors of dried flowers, including roses.

    It's always a good idea to label the jar with the date that the petals were stored, so that you will know how long to keep them.

    dried rose petals in glass mason jars on a wooden railing
    store dried rose petals in airtight containers like these glass mason jars- they look great displayed this way

    How To Use Dried Rose Petals

    There are many uses for dried rose petals.

    The petals are edible so can be used in the kitchen.

    Use them to decorate cakes and cookies. They are a beautiful garnish and finishing touch for your baking.

    Use them to make a delicious herbal tea with floral undertones. Take a scoop of dried petals, and steep in boiling water for a homemade floral tea.

    dried rose petals in a tea ball
    add dried rose petals to your tea

    Dried rose petals can also be used in many different craft projects.

    Add the dried petals to other dried flowers to make a beautiful organic potpourri.

    a bowl of rose petals on a wooden hutch with dried fruit in mason jars and hanging dried flowers
    add dried rose petals to homemade potpourri

    The rose petals look beautiful in bath bombs and add an artistic quality to the bath. Once the bomb has melted, the petals will remain floating in the bath water.

    Dried rose petals will lose their rose scent during the drying process, however just add a few drops of rose oil to replace the fragrance. You can also add other essential oils as well.

    Another fabulous use for dried rose petals is using them as a romantic confetti. Lavish your loved ones with homemade rose petal confetti made with flowers from your garden.

    dried pink rose petals in an open mason jar
    use dry rose petals for a romantic confetti

    Conclusion

    Making dried rose petals is so much fun, and it is certainly a quick and easy project.

    a bowl filled with different colors of dried rose petals
    making rose petals is a quick and easy project, no matter which drying method that you use

    Depending on the method used for drying, some methods will take a bit longer for the petals to dry than others.

    The fresh flowers smell divine with an intoxicating fragrance during the harvest and preparation, adding to the sweetness of this simple activity.

    Keep in mind, once dried, the floral fragrance significantly reduces. The dried petals still have a slight floral scent, however no longer have the strong scent of the rose.

    The original color of the petals will also change with the drying process. The amount of fading is dependent on the drying method chosen, as well as exposure to light.

    Air drying seems to preserve the color better than the other methods.

    Regardless, the muted color of the dried petals is still beautiful and romantic.

    The wonderful thing about drying rose petals is that they are so versatile, and can be used in so many ways.

    Enjoy the petals throughout the year, long after the roses have gone from the garden.

    mason jars filled with dried rose petals, topped with fresh pink roses, on a wooden railing
    rose petals can be used and enjoyed long after the roses have finished blooming

    Have you ever tried to dry rose petals? Be sure to leave a comment below to share your experience!

    Other Posts You May Like:

    HOW TO DRY FLOWERS ( 7 METHODS TO PRESERVE YOUR BLOOMS)
    CUT PEONY CARE- HOW TO KEEP CUT PEONIES FRESH FOR LONGER
    HOW TO PRUNE A CLIMBING ROSE

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    About Chey Mullin

    Chey Mullin is an experienced gardener and flower farmer, growing in zone 5b, Nova Scotia, Canada. A practicing gardener for over 30 years, she retired from a career in nursing to grow flowers on a larger scale. A hybridizer of daylilies and daylily seeds for over 15 years, you can find her under the handle "Maya"on the Lily Auction. Cheyanne is the seed planter, seed collector, flower grower, bouquet maker, photographer and voice behind Farmhouse and Blooms, a gardening blog that teaches about growing flowers for the garden and cut flowers. You can also find Farmhouse & Blooms on the Farmer-Florist Collective in the Floret Directory!

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