How to Dry Rose Petals

Dried rose petals serve many purposes. They provide an intoxicating fragrance to potpourri and satin sachets, add color to indoor decorations and create romantic confetti for weddings. Some of the most popular uses for dried rose petals are crafts, gifts, home decor and special events. Dried petals from organically-grown roses are used to flavor oils and vinegars or are added to salads and other recipes. Drying rose petals takes several days, but the method is simple.

1. Choose fresh roses in full bloom. Flowers that will be dried can be harvested at anytime during the growing season, but pick them when they are free from dew, raindrops, or other moisture sources.
   
   
2. Free the petals from the stems by using scissors to snip around the base of the rose petals. Be sure to cut around the entire flower. Or pluck the petals by gently pulling each one from the base of the stems.
   
   
3. Place the loose rose petals onto a dinner plate that is safe for microwaves.
   
   
4. Put the plate holding the rose petals into a microwave oven. Heat on high until the petals are no longer damp to touch, approximately 2 to 4 minutes. Microwave ovens tend to vary, so you may have to experiment to find the correct length of time for drying the rose petals.
   
   
5. Spread the microwaved rose petals onto paper towels arranged on a flat surface. Choose a drying location away from breezes, moisture, light and dust.
   
   
6. Let the rose petals dry for several days, but check their progress daily. Expect the drying process to last 2 to 5 days, depending on the local climate.
   
   
7. Store dried rose petals in coffee cans, tin cans or glass jars. The preserved flowers can be stored that way for extended periods. Make sure the storage containers seal tightly to prevent insects from entering and eating the petals.
   
   

• Microwaving the petals speeds up the drying process, but you can choose to skip that step. Instead of microwaving, simply spread the loose rose petals onto paper towels or newspapers and let them dry. Spreading the loose petals onto a dish towel and covering them with another dish towel is an alternate method. Check their progress daily.
• Remember that most flowers tend to darken with drying. Keep this in mind if the preserved flowers will be used in decorations with a specific color scheme.
• Remember to routinely check the dried rose petals in your storage containers for insects. If you find an infestation, throw out the preserved flowers and thoroughly wash the container before you use it again.
• Collect more rose petals than you will need. That will guarantee a sufficient supply of eye-appealing petals for your ultimate goal even if some become damaged during the drying process.

• Take care not to prick yourself on thorns when cutting the roses from the bush or the petals from the stems.

• Fresh roses with fully-opened blooms
• Scissors
• Microwave safe plate
• Microwave oven
• Paper towels
• Newspapers or dish towels
• Storage container with airtight seal