How to Dry Rose Petals

By
Amy Jeanroy
Amy Jeanroy

Amy Jeanroy is a master gardener and farm homesteader who has operated a greenhouse business since 1999. She served as the herbal gardening expert for The Spruce for eight years. Using her expertise in herbalism, she makes and sells herbal soaps, tinctures, salves, teas, and recipes at farmers' markets in Maine. She has also authored three books on canning and fermenting foods.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 04/02/24
Rose petals pulled from flower stem for teas and crafts

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

In This Article
Project Overview
  • Working Time: 15 - 30 mins
  • Total Time: 2 - 3 days
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $0 to 15

Learning how to dry rose petals can help you preserve these colorful, fragrant blooms for decor and more. The best way to dry rose petals is by air drying but you can also dry rose petals through using a dehydrator, the microwave, an oven, and pressing.

Harvest rose petals from the bushes growing in your yard to dry and preserve flowers in herbal tea mixes, soaps, potpourri, sachets, for baths, or as decoration. They are delicate, so handle your roses carefully from start to finish.

For the best scent, harvest rose petals straight from a newly opened flower bloom rather than waiting for them to fall off naturally. Blossoms that have been open for more than a day or two will have less of a scent and flavor. Pick the petals in the midmorning after the dew has evaporated but the ultra-hot midday sun hasn't yet appeared.

Here's how to dry rose petals.

Warning

If you plan to consume the petals, do not harvest them from flowers that you buy from the florist, as they have likely been treated with pesticides. No matter what your florist says, those roses are just for viewing, never ingesting. If you want to dry florist rose petals, they should only be used for decorative purposes.

How to Air Dry Rose Petals

To air dry rose petals, simply spread them out on dry paper or a screen and let them dry for a few days in the shade to preserve their color.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Pruners
  • Drying screens
  • Dehydrator or microwave oven (optional)

Materials

  • Flower petals
  • Paper towels (if needed)

Instructions

  1. Clip Flowers, Pluck the Petals

    Use pruners to cut off a flower that is either in full bloom or just prior to opening. Use your fingers to gently pluck off petals, one at a time. Remember that the stems are thorny, so use care to avoid pricks.

    Rose petals pulled from flower stem

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

  2. Lay Out the Petals

    Arrange the petals on absorbent paper, so they don't touch each other. A screen also works very well, but remember that once dried, rose petals will blow around easily. To avoid this, place a second screen on top to carefully sandwich them.

    Pink rose petals laid on paper towel

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

  3. Dry the Petals

    Place the roses in a dark, dry place for several days until they are completely dry.

    Rose petals laid on paper towels to dry in sun

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Tips

Rose petals can become mushy and break down in minutes if you place them in a hot and dark place, like an herbal harvest bag.

Additional Ways to Dry Rose Petals

In addition to air drying, there are a number of other ways to dry rose petals including using a dehydrator, oven, microwave, and pressing.

Dry Rose Petals in a Dehydrator

Dry rose petals in a dehydrator by setting the appliance to the lowest heat setting—around 95 degrees Fahrenheit, if possible—to ensure that the petals dry without burning.

Dry Rose Petals in the Oven

Dry rose petals in the oven by laying them flat on a baking sheet. Make sure the petals are evenly spaced. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Once ready, place the baking sheet with rose petals into the oven for 10 to 30 minutes. Check the petals regularly to ensure they aren't getting crisp.

Dry Rose Petals in the Microwave

Dry rose petals in the microwave by spreading the roses over a paper towel placed on a microwave-safe plate and placing it in the microwave. Microwave for two minutes and check to see if the petals are fully dry. If not, microwave for an additional 30 seconds at a time until they are fully dry.

Press the Rose Petals

Press rose petals in a book to help them dry.

To make pressed flowers, take a heavier book, line the page with paper, and place the roses evenly apart, so they aren't touching. Put the book in a warm, dry space with air circulation. Weigh down the book more by placing other books on top of it.

After three days, check the flowers and swap out the paper with dry paper if necessary. Finally, continue checking on the petals for two to six weeks until the petals are fully dried and pressed.

Tips for Using Dried Rose Petals

Once dried, you can store your roses like any other dried herb, taking care that no light reaches the petals. If you are using a glass jar, keep it inside a dark cupboard. There are many ways you can use your dried rose petals, including:

  • Herbal Teas: Since they have little to no flavor after they are dried, adding roses to a tea mixture is just for visual pleasure. Add with a light hand and blend well.
  • Rose Water: Combine 1/3 cup of dried rose petals with 2/3 cup distilled water and 1/3 cup witch hazel. Let it infuse for two weeks, and then strain out the petals. Use it as a facial spray or linen spray. You can also create rose oil.
  • Decor: You can make lovely ornaments with dried rose petals. Use them to coat Styrofoam balls that have been dipped in glue. These can be a nice addition to the holiday tree with a natural theme.
  • Soapmaking: Make rose petal soap to sell or give as gifts. Rose essential oil is often added for fragrance.
  • Herbal Sleep Pillows: These small herbal pouches filled with rose petals and rose essential oil can be placed inside the pillowcase of a favorite pillow.
  • Bath Rose Petals: Using dried rose petals for baths is a way to enhance the relaxation experience and add a nice aroma to your bath.
rose infused tea and soap
The Spruce / Letícia Almeida
FAQ
  • How do you preserve rose petals?

    There are multiple ways to preserve rose petals. A popular method is to store them within silica gel.

  • How do you dry rose petals at home without an oven?

    If you don't have an oven, you can air dry your rose petals or press them in a book.

  • How long do dried rose petals last?

    The amount of time that dried rose petals will last depends on many factors, but if handled delicately, rose petals can maintain their color and shape for two to three years.

  • Will dried rose petals attract mold?

    If the rose petals are truly dry, they should not attract mold. Store them in a dry place.

  • What is the best way to dry rose petals?

    The best way to dry rose petals is through air drying. Make sure to air dry them in a shaded spot to help preserve their color. Once you've put them in an appropriate place, allow for several days, until the petals are completely dried.

  • How do you dry rose petals without losing color?

    Fresh rose petals tend to change color when they are exposed to light. So if you are simply hanging your harvest, be sure to do so in a dark room.

How to Harvest and Use Rose Hips