You can dry flowers in the microwave by burying them in silica gel in an uncovered microwave-safe container, with a cup of water alongside, and heating on low power in short bursts, usually one to three minutes. University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension says drying times vary from a minute to six or seven minutes depending on the size of the flower and its moisture content, and that a standing period of 10 to 36 hours afterwards is necessary. Thick-petaled flowers do not work well. Times and power settings vary a lot between sources, so test one bloom first.
Do not use metal, wire or any metal materials in the microwave (University of Florida IFAS). Use a microwave-safe container and do not use that dish for food again (University of Kentucky and UC ANR say the container should not be used for food afterwards). University of Florida IFAS also notes that dried plant materials are highly flammable. Silica gel sold with an indicator may carry its own safety instructions; follow the product label, since one manufacturer safety data sheet we read advises avoiding breathing the dust.
Which Flowers Work
- Good candidates. Clemson lists rose, pansy, sedum, tulip, witch hazel, zinnia, larkspur, lilac, hydrangea and hollyhock, and says foliage dries exceptionally well.
- Poor candidates. Flowers with thick petals, such as magnolia and hyacinth, do not dry well in a microwave (Clemson, Missouri Extension).
- Pick just before fully open. Clemson says fully opened flowers often lose their petals after microwave drying.
- Pick extra. UNL suggests harvesting at least twice as much as you think you will need, because testing takes trial and error.
Step by Step
- Put an inch or so of silica gel in a microwave-safe container, set the flower face up and gently cover it with more gel.
- Leave the container uncovered and place a cup of water in the microwave to prevent excessive drying (UNL, Purdue, Kentucky and UF all say this).
- Microwave on low power. Clemson says to use setting 4 (about 300 watts) on a microwave with about 10 settings, and UC ANR says to microwave for a minute or two on low power, checking at least every 30 seconds. Purdue advises one-minute increments until you gain experience.
- Let the container stand. Clemson says to let it sit for about 24 hours before carefully uncovering the flowers, Missouri says 12 to 24 hours in the gel, and UNL says a standing period of 10 to 36 hours.
- Let the gel cool before gently lifting the flowers out (UC ANR).
How Long? Times by Source
| Source | Time given |
|---|---|
| UNL Extension | 1 to 6 or 7 minutes depending on flower size and moisture |
| Clemson Extension | about 2.5 minutes in a half-pound of silica gel at about 300 W |
| University of Missouri Extension | about 1 minute for small or thin flowers up to 3 for dense ones |
| Purdue Extension | larger flowers such as peonies, mums and dahlias may take 3 to 4 minutes |
| UC ANR | pansies took 2 minutes at 50% power in a 1,000-watt microwave |
| Purdue Extension table (rose) | 1.5 minutes heating, then a 10-hour standing period |
| University of Kentucky table (rose) | 1 minute heating |
| University of Florida IFAS (rose) | 2.5 minutes, then stand overnight |
These differ because microwaves and power levels differ. Start low and short, and add time rather than starting long: UC ANR warns that flowers can be damaged by microwaving too long or at a high wattage, and Clemson notes they can burn if embedded too long. Roses can withstand more heat, while daisies prefer lower temperatures (University of Kentucky).
After Drying
Microwave-dried flowers tend to absorb moisture from the air, so Missouri Extension suggests spraying the petals with hairspray or lacquer and storing them in an airtight container. Keep them out of direct sunlight and humid rooms. For a gentler method, see how to dry flowers, and for roses specifically, how to dry roses.
What About a Dehydrator or Air Fryer?
University of Florida IFAS mentions setting an air fryer to its lowest setting or using its dehydrator option, but gives no temperature or time. We found no tested guidance, so our dehydrator flower guide remains the better starting point.
Quick Answers
How long do you microwave flowers to dry them?
Usually one to three minutes in silica gel on low power, according to University of Missouri Extension, though UNL says up to six or seven minutes depending on the flower.
Why put a cup of water in the microwave?
To prevent excessive drying, according to UNL, Purdue, Kentucky and Florida Extension.
Why do microwave-dried flowers need to stand?
UNL says a standing period of 10 to 36 hours is needed to complete drying and let the flowers cool.
Can I use the same container for food afterwards?
No. Kentucky and UC ANR say not to.
Which flowers should I avoid?
Thick-petaled flowers such as magnolia and hyacinth, per Clemson Extension.
Sources
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Guide to drying flowers
- Clemson Cooperative Extension: Drying flowers
- UC Agriculture and Natural Resources: Garden notes, preserving flowers
- University of Missouri Extension: Preserving flowers
- Purdue Extension: Bring in flowers for drying
- Purdue Extension: Drying flowers (HO-102)
- University of Kentucky: Drying flowers and other plant materials (HO-70)
- University of Kentucky Horticulture News: Drying flowers (2017)
- University of Florida IFAS: Preserving plant materials (EP004)
- Moisture Boss: Silica gel blue indicating, safety data sheet (manufacturer, lower authority)
