How to Dry Rose Petals: Air Dry & Dehydrator Methods

To dry rose petals, pick unsprayed roses in mid-morning, spread the loose petals in a single layer on paper towels or a clean towel, and leave them in a warm, dry, airy spot until they are crisp, which takes several days. A dehydrator on its lowest setting for a few hours also works. The most important step comes first: only dry petals from roses that have not been treated with pesticides, especially if you plan to use them in tea or food. This guide covers safety, air drying, the dehydrator method, drying whole roses and storage.

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Only Dry Untreated Roses for Food Use

Illinois Extension says not to use roses treated with pesticides or fertilizer-pesticide mixes, and that this includes florist bouquets and flowers on plants in the store, since they may have been treated with chemicals. Colorado State Extension says not to eat flowers from florists, garden centers or nurseries because they are not grown for consumption. If you are only drying petals for crafts or potpourri, this matters less, but keep craft-dried petals separate from anything you will eat.

In This Article

Are Rose Petals Edible?
When and How to Harvest
Air Drying Petals
Drying Rose Petals in a Dehydrator
Drying Whole Roses
How to Tell They Are Dry
Storing Dried Rose Petals
Quick Answers
Sources

Are Rose Petals Edible?

Illinois Extension notes that rose petals are used fresh or dried to make a floral tea, and University of Alaska Fairbanks Extension says that Rugosa varieties are the roses of choice as edible flowers, but all rose petals are edible. Some roses have a bitter white base on each petal, and both extension services suggest removing it.

When and How to Harvest

Collect roses mid-morning after the dew has evaporated, a tip from a UC Master Gardener newsletter (a lower-authority source).
Petals that are ready to release will fall easily into your hands while the center of the flower stays intact, according to the same newsletter.
Snip off the bitter white base of each petal if you want to use them in tea.

Air Drying Petals

Spread the petals in single layers on paper towels, newspapers or clean dish towels and let them air dry for several days (UC Master Gardener newsletter). University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension’s potpourri guide gives the same approach: dry petals on a paper towel, an old pie tin, a cookie sheet or a box lid, make sure the items are spread out and not piled on each other, and expect it to take a few days to a few weeks for everything to be completely dry.

Drying Rose Petals in a Dehydrator

The UC Master Gardener newsletter says you can also use a dehydrator set to extremely low heat for a few hours but gives no temperature. As a starting point, use the lowest setting your machine offers, or the general herb range of 95-115°F from Ohio State Extension and the National Center for Home Food Preservation (a guideline for herbs, not roses), and check every 30 minutes.

A single layer on a mesh-lined tray keeps small petals from falling through. See how to dry flowers in a dehydrator for general settings.

Drying Whole Roses

Clemson Cooperative Extension says silica gel is appropriate for quick-drying flowers and for flowers with closely packed petals such as roses, and that flowers dry in about a week. University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension says one to three weeks are generally required in a desiccant. Clemson also notes that roses and peonies shrink somewhat when air-dried, and lists rose among flowers that can be dried in a microwave. Our full guide covers the methods: how to dry flowers.

How to Tell They Are Dry

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension says drying is complete when flowers are crisp and dry but not brittle. For petals you plan to crumble into tea, Oregon State’s herb test applies: they should crumble easily between your fingers.

Storing Dried Rose Petals

Use an airtight container kept in a cool, dark, dry place, according to Oregon State University Extension’s herb guidance.
For best flavor, Oregon State says to use dried herbs within six months to a year; the same window is a sensible guide for petals.
The ASPCA lists roses as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses.

Quick Answers

Can you dry rose petals in a dehydrator?

Yes, at the lowest setting for a few hours, according to a UC Master Gardener newsletter. It gives no temperature, so check often.

How long do rose petals take to air dry?

Several days according to the UC newsletter, and a few days to a few weeks according to University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension’s potpourri guide.

Can I use store-bought roses?

Not for food. Illinois and Colorado State Extension both say flowers from florists and stores may have been treated with chemicals and are not grown for consumption.