How To Dry And Preserve Rose Petals?

Do you know how many petals do roses have?

Interesting fact: 

• There are three types of roses, each with a different number of petals.
• How many petals do roses have in simple type? Simple type: one rose has 7 petals
• How many petals do roses have semi-double? Semi-double type: from 8 to 20.
• How many petals do roses have in terry? Terry type: more than 20 petals.

You can dry a rose that contains 7 to 20 petals. And you will enjoy that for at least a lifetime! Drying applies not only to apricots, peaches, or apples. You can also perform preserving rose petals preserve petals from the "queen of flowers" this way. Roses are beautiful, fragrant, and attractive. Their aroma has a beneficial effect on humans. Can you find a girl who does not have a bud dried out between the pages of a book? The finished product is ideal for:

• a relaxing bath after a hard day's work;
• making aromatic, delicious tea. 

Most gourmets prefer to add dried rose petals to salads.

Also, you can use dry rose petals and their buds in different ways:

• Dried buds and petals look beautiful in applications, paintings, collages, panels, and herbariums, as well as in festive garlands.
• Dried flowers and rose petals, filled with epoxy resin, are good to create jewelry. It can be rings, earrings, and pendants.
• Dried rose petals are great at home to make a lotion or eau de toilette.
• Dried petals can be excellent instead of fresh ones to create a romantic setting. You can perform it in the bedroom, bathroom, or jacuzzi.
• Guests sprinkle them on newlyweds during the wedding ceremony.
• You can use dried rose petals to make unusual drinks, pastries, or jam.

To preserve the ‘flowers’ volume, color, and shape, you must dry them using special methods. Let's find out how to do it correctly and how to make dried rose petals correctly.

How to Dry Rose Petals?

For drying, it is desirable to take fresh flowers. If they stand in a vase for a while, they will simply wither before they have time to dry.

The rosebud should be whole and should not have spots. Then it will deform when drying, and the spots will darken further and become more noticeable.

To use our best way to dry a rose well, you need to prepare it to do the following:

• Cut the flower in the morning, after the water has dried.
• Choose a flower that has finished its development. But it has not withered away and has retained its vitality.
• Put the stem with the bud in the air to dry out a bit.
• Carefully separate the bud into petals.
• Remove any damaged or rotten parts.
• Spread the rose petals.

The basic rule of preparation for drying is to keep the rose free of moisture. Read further to learn how to make dried rose petals.

Air Drying

Air drying is one of the simplest and most popular methods for drying rose petals. After harvesting the petals, remove any debris and lay them in a single layer on a clean, dry surface. Place them in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Allow the petals to air dry for several days, turning them occasionally to ensure even drying. Once the petals are completely dry and crisp to the touch, you can use or store them.

Book Pressing

Book pressing involves using the weight of books to press and dry rose petals. It is the best way for preserving rose petals. Lay the petals in a single layer between two sheets of absorbent paper or tissue. Place the paper with the petals inside the pages of a heavy book. Stack additional books on top to apply pressure. Leave the petals in the book press for about a week, periodically checking their dryness. This method helps preserve the shape and color of the petals, making them ideal for crafts, scrapbooking, or decorative purposes.

Choose One of the Desiccants 

Desiccants are substances that help absorb moisture from the environment, aiding in drying. You can use silica gel, rice, or borax as desiccants for preserving rose petals. Fill a container with a layer of the chosen desiccant and gently place the petals on top. Cover the petals completely with more desiccant and seal the container. Leave it undisturbed for a week or two, allowing the desiccant to absorb the moisture from the petals. This method helps preserve the petals' shape and color while efficiently removing moisture.

Drying in The Oven 

Drying rose petals in the oven is quicker but requires careful monitoring. But, it is still one of the best ways to dry a rose. Preheat the oven to its lowest setting. Lay the petals in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the sheet in the oven and keep the door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape. Regularly check the petals, as they can dry quickly in the oven. The petals usually take about 20-30 minutes to dry completely. Once they are dry and crisp, remove them from the oven and let them cool before using or storing them.

Freeze Drying

Freeze drying is a more advanced method. It requires special equipment, such as a freeze dryer. It involves:

• freezing the rose petals at a very low temperature;
• then slowly removing the moisture in a vacuum. 

This process helps retain the petals' shape, color, and fragrance. And it results in a high-quality final product. However, freeze-drying equipment may not be readily available to everyone, making it less accessible than other drying methods.

How to Preserve Rose Petals?

Preserving rose petals is a delightful way to extend their lifespan. So, you can enjoy their beauty for longer. Whether you wish to create potpourri, use them in crafts, or enhance the ambiance of your living space, preserving rose petals allows you to savor their fragrance and visual appeal even after you have removed them from the flower. Luckily, various methods are available to preserve rose petals. You can read how to preserve a rose petal below.

Method #1 With Microwave

You can also dry rose petals in the microwave. You need to put them on a paper napkin or towel, cover the top and put on a dish in the microwave for two minutes. If the petals are dry and there is no moisture, then there is no need to continue drying. They should be firm to the touch, and dry but not crumbly or broken.

Remember also that it is possible to preserve not only petals but the whole buds. To dry a rosebud quickly, you can use the microwave.

Method #2 In River Sand

The sand from the river should be washed, dried, and heated in the oven, then sifted and poured into a cardboard box. It is important for preserving rose petals. In river sand, roses retain their original shade and do not lose shape.

The stem should be carefully trimmed and fixed in the sand, then fill the flower with it. A cardboard box with roses in the sand should be left in a dry place for two to four weeks. When the flowers are dry, the sand should be carefully removed from the box. 

When there is only the rose left in the box, you must take it by the end of the stem and turn it upside down with the bud. Next, it is necessary to remove the remaining sand from the petals as gently as possible.

Replace river sand can be quartz sand from a pet supply store. Only it is necessary to preheat it. As a substitute for sand from the river, borax, corn or wheat flour, semolina, and silica gel are also suitable. Now you know how to make dried rose petals with sand.

Method #3 In the Air in a Darkened Room

This is important because exposure to sunlight will cause the rose petals to burn out and become pale and faded. To dry roses, you can place a rope in the attic higher up, closer to the ceiling, and use rooms such as a darkened balcony, terrace, or veranda.

Cut off the lower leaves on the stem, shorten it and remove the thorns. Wrap the leaves, stem, and bud with gauze to keep dust from settling on them. If you want to dry several roses, the distance between the roses should be at least 15-20 centimeters. If the roses are hung more tightly, there is a risk that the buds will lose their shape and that mold will form on the petals. We consider it best way to dry a rose. 

The drying process takes about two to three weeks. Ventilate the room where the roses are hung at least twice a day. The roses can be removed when the petals are dry, hard, and brittle. 

A Few Words from Rosaholics

At Rosaholics, we believe that the beauty of roses should never fade. And you can capture the essence of these enchanting blooms if you read how to make dried rose petals. With Rosaholics, your love for roses can truly last forever. So, do not hesitate to contact our store for the most beautiful roses.

FAQ