How to Dry Rose Petals

Poets have spent their whole lives dreaming of the ethereal beauty of roses. Not only that, roses have many other practical uses – and dried rose petals can be turned into many wonderful things. They add an intoxicating scent to platters of dried herbs and pretty scented sachets, add color to a room, and turn into romantic bouquets of confetti to throw at weddings. In addition, the process of drying roses is also quite simple. See step 1 below to get started.

Table of Contents

Choose flowers

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Choose fresh roses in full bloom. You can pick the flowers you intend to dry at any time during the blooming season, but remember that roses will smell their best when they are at their biggest and most vibrant. Avoid picking flowers that have browned petals – they will turn brown completely when they’re dry.

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Choose the best time of day to pick flowers. The time to pick flowers is when the dew drops have dried and before the midday sun gives off the most intense rays. Rose petals that remain in water may turn brown after drying as they will begin to rot. A few hours before the sun sets is when most roses smell their best. ^{[1] X Research Source}

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Cut off the petals from the stem using scissors around the sepals. Remember to cut around the entire flower. You can also pluck individual petals from the calyx above the flower stalk.

Dry the petals

Method 1: Let it dry

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Place the petals on the drying tray. A net such as an insect net mounted on an old window frame or a flat sieve in the kitchen can become a suitable drying tray. Remember to put the petals in a single layer and that none of them overlap. When overlapped, the petals will stick together, and you will have to separate later. ^{[2] X Research Source}

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Place the petal drying tray in a well-ventilated place. The best place to dry flowers is on a flat surface away from direct sunlight and with good ventilation. Rose petals exposed to the sun will fade, so you should avoid this. You should also not dry the petals in a humid place, as moisture in the air can rot the petals.

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Flip the petals several times. Rose petals usually take a few days to dry. In the meantime, you should flip the petals at least once a day. This step will ensure that both sides of the petals are exposed to the air. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

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Pick up the petals on the drying tray. Take only the petals that have dried and are crunchy (almost like the popcorn flakes in a breakfast cereal box). The petals will become moldy if you take them away before they are completely dry.

Method 2: Microwave

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Line two layers of paper towels in the bottom of a microwaveable dish. Next, you will place the petals you want to dry on a paper towel, remember to only put one layer and do not overlap. As they dry, the overlapping petals will stick together and may tear if you try to separate them. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

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Cover the petals. After spreading the petals in one layer on the plate, cover with another layer of paper towels. Put another plate on top to make the lid for the flower plate.

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Place the plate with the petals in the microwave. Microwave on high until the petals are no longer moist to the touch, about 40 seconds. Microwave ovens are different, so you may have to experiment to find the right time. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

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Check the dryness of the petals. When the cooking time is up in the microwave, remove the top plate and paper towel. The rose petals will be dry but not brittle. If they are still moist, put them back in the oven and continue to “cook”.

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Remove the petals from the microwave. If you prefer crispier petals, spread them on a paper towel spread on a flat surface and dry. Choose a dry place, free from wind, moisture, light and dust.

Method 3: Use a dehumidifier

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Place the petals in the dehumidifier. Make sure not to overlap the petals. Depending on the type of dehumidifier you use, drying the petals can take several hours (if you’re using a dehumidifier like the Excalibur) or all day (if you’re using a Nesco 600 W). No matter how long it takes, your house will smell like roses. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

Pressing petals in books

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Open the book.

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Place the rose petals inside the book (remember to put them in a layer).

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Fold the book (try not to let the rose petals fold. )

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Wait about a week or two, and the rose petals will dry.

Using and preserving flowers

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Store dried flower petals in a coffee pot, tin, or glass jar. Dried petals can be preserved in this way for a long time. Remember to store in a sealed container to prevent insects from getting in to eat the petals, and do not leave it in the sun.

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Think about how to use dried flowers. The uses of dried rose petals are numerous. You can use dried rose petals at your wedding, delight the senses, add to a plate of dried herbs, or try one of the ways below.

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Drop rose petals into your favorite drink. You can spice up a rose cocktail or holiday glass of rose wine or bask in the scent of rose water.

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Use your artistic mind and put rose petals into crafts. Make a necklace with rose petals or create your own unique fragrance with rose petal perfume.

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Add some rose petals to the food. Try making a rose sandwich. Make homemade rose jam or spread sugared rose petals on a cake.

Advice

Remember to check the dried roses in the jar from time to time to prevent insects. If you find that the flowers are infested with insects, throw away all dried roses in the jar and wash the jar thoroughly before using it again.
Most of the petals darken when dry. Keep this in mind if you want to use dried flowers to decorate in a certain color scheme.
Collect more commissions than you will ever need. That way you’ll be sure to have enough beautiful rose petals to use, although some may be damaged in the drying process.
Don’t worry if your first batch of flowers isn’t perfect. Do it again, and don’t forget that the more you practice, the easier it will be.
When pressing flowers in a book, sandwich the petals between two sheets of tissue before closing the book. The paper towel will help absorb the moisture in the petals. Place the book under a heavy object such as a mattress to make the flowers dry faster.

Things you need

Fresh roses in full bloom
Drag
The dish is safe to use in the microwave
Microwave oven
Tissue
Newspaper or dish towel
Drying tray
Dehumidifiers
Book
Sealed container to preserve dried flowers

Steps