How to Dry Roses and Rose Petals

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Drying roses and rose petals is a simple and effective way to preserve their beauty and fragrance. I love to use dried roses in my home decor and DIY beauty or wellness products. Here are my tips and tricks for drying roses and rose petals so you can enjoy them for months.

If you are new around here, I LOVE fresh flowers, and roses are one of my favorites! They look beautiful in a garden or as cut flowers in a vase and smell even better. I have so many tips on making your cut roses last longer and what to make with rose petals, but I also love to dry roses. They dry beautifully and can be used as decor in a space or kept for sentimental value. 

Choosing the Right Roses To Dry

The first step in drying roses is to choose the right blooms. Although you can dry almost any rose, some will work better than others. When it comes to drying roses, choosing the right type of roses is important. Look for fully open roses in good condition, without any signs of wilting or damage. 

If you are harvesting them from your garden, it’s best to pick them up in the morning, after the dew has dried but before the sun is too hot. If you don’t have access to fresh roses, you can also use store-bought ones, but be sure to remove any plastic wrapping or tags before you begin. 

Hybrid tea roses, floribunda roses, and grandiflora roses are the best options for drying. These roses have sturdy stems and thick petals that hold up well during drying. Choosing roses that are in good condition and free from any damage or disease is also important.

Preparing the Roses

Before drying the roses, removing the leaves and thorns is important. This will help the roses dry more evenly and prevent them from getting moldy. Use sharp scissors to cut off the leaves and thorns, careful not to damage the petals or stem. If you’re drying rose petals, you can skip this step and pluck the petals from the flowers.

​Tools Required

Depending on the method you use, you may require some of the below items to dry the roses or rose petals

Rose Drying Methods

Once you have your roses, you can use several methods or preservation techniques to dry them. Whatever your chosen method, the key is to be patient and gentle so that your roses and petals retain their shape and color. Here are a few of the best ways to dry roses:

Air-Drying Roses

The most common way, and my favorite, is to air dry them by hanging them upside down in a cool, dry space. This is the old-fashioned way and simple process to keep the entire shape of the flower.

1. To air-dry roses, start by gathering fresh roses with their long stems intact. 
2. Then simply tie the flower stems together using a string, twine, or a rubber band. 
3. Hang the roses upside down in a warm, dark, and dry place. You don’t want the roses to be in direct sunlight as they may become discolored. I ensure enough space between the roses to allow air to circulate.

It usually takes around two weeks for the roses to dry completely. Spraying the dried petals with hair spray or polyurethane is a good idea to set them and help hold the dried flower bouquet together. 

Once the roses are dry, I use the dried floral arrangement for decor in my home or remove the petals from the stems and store them in an airtight container.

Microwave Drying Roses

Microwave drying is a quick and easy way to dry roses. 

1. Start by placing a single layer of rose petals on a paper towel. 
2. Then, cover the petals with another paper towel, place them on a microwave-safe plate and microwave them for 30 seconds. 
3. Remove the paper towel and check to see if the 
4. Repeat this process until the petals are dry and crisp.

It’s important to note that microwave drying can cause the petals to lose some of their color and fragrance. So, this method is best used for decorative purposes rather than culinary ones.

Oven Drying Roses

Oven drying is another fast method for drying roses, and it is very similar to how I make dried oranges. 

1. Begin by preheating the oven to 180°F and place the rose petals on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Leave the petals in the oven for 2-4 hours, depending on their thickness. 

It’s essential to keep an eye on the petals in the oven to prevent them from burning. Once the petals are dry and crisp, I remove them from the oven and let them cool before storing them in an airtight container.

Air Fryer Dried Roses

The air fryer is another great way to dry roses and rose buds.

1. Set your air fryer to the dehydration setting. 
2. Layer the flowers on the tray in the air fryer but ensure they don’t touch and have enough room for air circulation. If they are touching, the roses could discolor.
3. Start the air fryer and begin to begin drying the flowers. 
4. Check on the petals occasionally to make sure they are not over-drying. The process should only take about 10 to 15 minutes.

Overall, there are several ways to dry roses and rose petals. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to choose the method that works best for your needs and preferences.

Drying the Rose Petals

Sometimes you want to only save the flower petals. I love to use them for making rose petal scrub or rose potpourri! (It smells amazing, believe me) There are a few different ways this can be done. 

Removing the Petals from the Roses

The first step is to remove the petals from the roses. I prefer to use scissors to cut the petals off the rose, but you can also gently pull them off with your fingers. Make sure to remove any damaged or wilted petals and discard them.

Air-Drying Rose Petals

One of the easiest ways to dry rose petals is to air-dry them.

1. Spread the petals on a clean, dry surface, such as a baking sheet or parchment paper. I love to use this antique sifter with a screen that works perfectly. 
2. Make sure the petals are in a single layer and not touching each other. 
3. Place them in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
4. It can take several days for the petals to dry completely. Once they are dry, they will be brittle to the touch.
5. Store them in an airtight container, away from moisture and direct sunlight.

Using Silica Gel to Dry Rose Petals

You can use silica gel to dry your rose petals to speed up the drying process. Silica gel crystals are a desiccant that absorbs moisture from the air, making it an effective way to dry flowers.

1. Place a layer in the bottom of an airtight container. 
2. Lay the rose petals on top of the silica gel, be sure they are not touching each other. 
3. Cover the petals with another layer of silica gel (about one inch), ensuring they are completely covered.
4. Seal the container and let it sit for 2-3 days. 
5. Once the petals have dried for a couple of days and are completely dry, carefully remove them from the silica gel and store them in an airtight or sealed container.

Tips and Tricks for Drying Roses and Rose Petals

​That’s it! Pretty simple, isn’t it?! OK, now that we have gone over the ways to dry roses let’s summarize the best tips and tricks to use, no matter which method of drying you choose.

• Choose the right roses: Choose roses in full bloom but not past their prime. The petals should be firm and not wilted.
• Remove the leaves and thorns: Remove the leaves and thorns from the stem, as they can cause the rose to rot during the drying process.
• Avoid direct sunlight: Avoid drying the roses in direct sunlight, as this can cause the petals to fade or become discolored.
• Use silica gel: If you want to dry your roses quickly and preserve their shape, you can use silica gel. Place the roses in a container filled with silica gel and let them sit for a few days until they are dry.
• Spray with hairspray: Once the roses are dry, you can spray them with hairspray to help preserve their color and shape.
• Store the dried roses: Once the roses are completely dry, store them in a dry and dark place, such as a closet or drawer. This will help maintain the scent, color and shape of the flowers. You can also display them in a vase or use them in crafts or potpourri.

Make sure you let me know if you try any of these methods or if you have a good one that I may have missed! I love to use my dried roses in replace of bows on gifts and even as delicate decor on a pretty table setting! The possibilities really are endless. Be sure to Pin this post so you can come back and use it again!

More On Flowers

If you’re interested in any more flower care tips or tricks, check out the links below. Happy drying, sweet friends.

• How to Preserve Peonies to Last for Months
• How To Make Flower Food For Cut Flowers
• How To Arrange Tulips In A Vase

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