Drying Rosesby Cindy Garrett

SunglowMiniflora from Whit Wells

Drying Roses

Commonly used methods:

Microwave Air Drying

Drying Roses in Microwave Oven

Materials you will need• Dust mask

• Silica Gel

• Dried Flower Spray

• Small brushes

• Microwave safe jar

Drying Roses in Microwave Oven

Selecting Roses• Should be only partially opened• Stem length is limited to vertical size of container

you can get in your microwave• Brightly colored blooms generally work best

Drying Roses in Microwave Oven

• Partially fill jar with silica gel

• Place flowers, stem down into silica gel

• Do not let flowers touch

Drying Roses in Microwave Oven

• Slowly fill remaining portion of jar with gel

• Make sure silica gel fills in between petals

• Cover flower completely, but carefully

Drying Roses in Microwave Oven

• Place container with roses in microwave

• Place 1 cup of water in rear corner of microwave

Drying Roses in Microwave Oven

• Heat on high for 1 to 3 minutes, depending upon size of flower(s).

• Longer heating time may be required for larger flowers.

• All ovens are different, so you may need to experiment with time.

Drying Roses in Microwave Oven

• Carefully remove from oven

• Let jar and gel completely cool

Drying Roses in Microwave Oven

• Slowly pour the silica gel from the jar

Drying Roses in Microwave Oven

• Carefully remove flowers

Drying Roses in Microwave Oven

• Gently brush any excess grains of gel from petals and stem

Drying Roses in Microwave Oven

Examples of dried miniatures

Air Drying Roses

Easiest and cheapest method of drying rosesBlooms will not maintain their usual formBlooms should be harvested on a dry day after dew has

evaporatedBlooms can be grouped in bunches and hung upside

down in a dry, dark and well ventilated areaLet dry for several daysRoutinely check to determine when flowers are fully

dried