How to Dry Rose Petals, According to Florists

Sometimes, a particularly exquisite bouquet of roses is just that special, and certain sentimental floral arrangements are well worth preserving. So, before your vibrant wedding bouquet or your daughter’s senior prom corsage starts to lose its luster, you might want to dry your rose petals and repurpose them in any number of ways to be enjoyed for years. Even if it's just a matter of so many roses in your garden, knowing how to preserve them is great. We consulted floral industry experts about how best to dry rose petals to immortalize their romantic beauty.

Materials You’ll Need

• Roses that are preferably not bruised, browned, or wilting
• Paper towels
• A flat cooking sheet like a cookie tray
• Cool, dry room with space to store tray away from direct sunlight
• Container with an airtight lid
• Microwave safe plate (optional)
• Hairspray (optional)

How to Air Dry Rose Petals

Air drying rose petals is an easy and simple process, but to get the desired result, it is best to follow certain guidelines. For tricks of the trade, we asked expert Suzanna Cameron, owner of Stems Brooklyn, for her preferred method. 

1. Source fresh roses. A lot of folks make the mistake of drying already wilted flowers, which results in less colorful, fragrant, and abundant florals.
2. Remove the heads of the roses by pulling from the base of the bloom right above the calyx, the protective layer around the flower. 
3. Once you pull the bloom head off the base of the flower, you can begin separating the petals easily.
4. You may find the stamen of the flower inside of the rose. You’ll want to separate that, as it does not add anything to dried rose petals.
5. Once you have done this to five to seven flowers you can use your tray to spread the flower petals out so they are not touching each other. When florals touch in the drying process, they can sometimes stick together and cause crumbling later. 
6. Place your tray of petals in a dark, cool area to dry for two to three weeks. Some spaces will dry petals a little quicker or a little bit longer.
7. Once your rose petals are dry, place them carefully in an airtight sealed container to avoid damage and store them away from sunlight to preserve their color.

Other Ways to Dry Rose Petals

If you are feeling adventurous or are short on time, there are a number of other ways to dry your rose petals. Dehydrators, microwaves and ovens are all effective methods, or you might choose to press your delicate flowers in a favorite hardback novel or book of poetry. Using different processes at first can help you find the way that ultimately suits you best..

Drying Rose Petals in a Dehydrator

Separating the flower petals from the stem is a delicate process. Britt Sullivan, owner and creative director of Grace and Grit Flowers, recommends removing them carefully, making sure they are not damaged or bruised to avoid browning. Next, place the petals in a single layer so that they are not touching or overlapping. The petals should be dehydrated at the lowest possible temperature, says Sullivan, and rotated so that they dry evenly. 

Drying Rose Petals in a Microwave

The microwave method is a fast and efficient way to dry your rose petals. First, remove the flower petals, making sure that they are not damaged or bruised. Sullivan warns against choosing white flowers, as they can easily brown in the microwave. Next, place a paper towel on a microwave-safe plate and arrange the petals in a single layer so they are not touching or overlapping. Place another paper towel over the petals to prevent the petals from blowing around. According to Sullivan, the flowers should be microwaved at the lowest setting in 30-second increments until the petals are crisp and dry, usually for at least two minutes. Once dry, spray a light coating of hairspray for added protection and place in a sealed glass or metal container. 

Drying Rose Petals in an Oven

To dry your rose petals in the oven, our experts recommend preheating the oven to its lowest setting. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and the petals should, once again, be arranged in a single layer so that they are not overlapping or touching. After placing the sheet in the oven, leave the door open a crack, says Sullivan, to allow any moisture out. Depending on the thickness of the petals, this process can take up to 12 hours, during which time the petals should be occasionally moved or turned to ensure that they dry evenly. 

Pressing Rose Petals

Starting with fresh roses, the petals should be gently removed and placed on a single layer of parchment or wax paper, making sure they are not overlapping or touching. Place this stack between the pages of a hardback, heavy book and leave it in a cool, dry place. Sullivan recommends placing another heavy book on top and leaving it to sit for two to four weeks. Cameron notes that a flower press may also be used.

How to Use Dried Rose Petals

Once dry, your rose petals can be used in any number of delightful ways to make the most of your cherished memories. They are lovely to use in scrapbooks or paper making. Cameron recommends using them to make potpourri and mixing with dried lavender to create a colorful and fragrant mix. Rose petals can also be combined with lavender in sachets for your sock drawer or to use in your pillowcase, or even for a fragrant bath option.

In lieu of throwing rice, dried rose petals also make lovely wedding ceremony accessories and are a more sustainable and natural option than glitter or plastic-based confetti. Sullivan adds that unless you know the flowers were organically grown without any pesticides, they should be avoided as food decoration or for making oils. Homegrown and pesticide-free rose petals can be used for tea, desserts, cocktails, and more.