Drying Your Roses



There are two ways to dry roses

1.  Air drying

2. Desiccant- Drying

Air Drying is the most common method of preserving roses.

This method is best for rose buds that are just about to open. Hang them in a warm, dry and dark place with good ventilation for a two weeks. Tie a string around the stems  and hang them upside down. This will prevent moisture from becoming trapped between the flowers which can mold them.

Once they are completely dried be careful to handle them with care for they will now be brittle.

Display them tightly in a terracotta pot for the wonderful display. 

For more complete information on air drying flowers see "Working with Dried Flowers" In the floral instruction section of this site.

Desiccant drying

This method is perfect for open roses. 

You will need an airtight  container that measures 1 inch taller than the roses you are drying and silica gel crystals (enough to completely cover your roses -standing on end) If you would prefer to save on silica gel crystals you can cut the stems shorter.

Put 1/2 inch of Silica Gel in an airtight container -place the roses so that the blooms face up.

Cover them very carefully with  more silica gel crystals  until every part of the flower is covered.  Now seal the container tightly. Keep them at room temperature for 10 days before removing the lid of the container. After 10 days carefully remove them from the desiccant. 

For more complete information on drying  flowers with desiccants see "Working with Dried Flowers" In the floral instruction section of this site.

Also see Different Flower Drying Techniques