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Rose petals have so many different uses – in the kitchen, DIY personal care products, or for decorative purposes This simple tutorial will show you how to harvest and dry rose petals to preserve them for later use. 

We have a giant rose bush in our garden, that erupts in gorgeous blooms two times a year. Every time it does, it is covered with so many blooms that it can barely sustain itself! I always looked at this gorgeous rose bush and wondered how to best utilize the beautiful blooms it was growing, so that they would all go to waste in just a few days. I love having fresh cut roses in our home. But I wanted more uses for those rose blooms. That’s when I decided to start harvesting and drying the rose petals, to be used later. 

Note on quality

One of the biggest motivations to harvest and dry your own rose petals is quality. If you have a rose bush in your own garden, you can be certain that it has not been sprayed with pesticides or treated with fertilizer. This becomes extremely important especially if you’re planning on consuming your petals in a cup of rose tea or otherwise.

​Health Benefits of Roses

1. Rich in Antioxidants: Rose petals contain a high concentration of antioxidants, including vitamin C, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. These antioxidants help protect the body against free radicals, which can cause cellular damage and contribute to various health conditions, including heart disease, cancer, and aging.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The presence of anti-inflammatory compounds in rose petals, such as quercetin and kaempferol, can help reduce inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is linked to several diseases, including arthritis, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Including rose petals in your diet may help combat inflammation and promote overall health.
3. Digestive Aid: Rose petals possess mild laxative and diuretic properties, making them beneficial for digestive health. They can help stimulate bowel movements and relieve constipation. Rose petal tea or infusions may also soothe an upset stomach, reduce bloating, and improve overall digestion.
4. Immune System Support: The vitamin C content in rose petals plays a crucial role in supporting the immune system. Vitamin C is known for its immune-boosting properties and its ability to help the body fight off infections and viruses. Regular consumption of rose petals or rose petal tea may contribute to a stronger immune system.
5. Stress Relief: The flower petals have a calming effect on the mind and body. They contain compounds that can help reduce stress and anxiety, promoting relaxation. A cup of rose petal tea or the inhalation of rose petal-infused aromatherapy oils can be soothing and aid in stress management.
6. Heart Health: The antioxidants present in rose petals may help improve cardiovascular health. They can help reduce the risk of heart disease by preventing the oxidation of cholesterol, which can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of rose petals can contribute to a healthier heart.
7. Skin Health: When consumed or applied topically, rose petals can benefit the skin. The antioxidants in rose petals help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and environmental factors. They can also promote a youthful complexion by improving skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Uses of dried rose petals 

There are so many ways you can use rose petals after our harvest and dry them, all year long. Some of my favorites are: 

Homemade Tea

Homemade rose tea is a delightful beverage that offers numerous benefits. It is rich in antioxidants, supports the immune system, aids digestion, promotes relaxation, enhances skin health, helps with hydration, and provides a pleasurable aromatic experience. It’s super easy to make and enjoy. You can make rose tea blends or enjoy plain rose tea. The preparation is similar to herbal tea, but it would make an excellent iced tea too. 

Rose syrup 

A super simple way of preserving the delicious fragrance and flavor for use in beverages. I’m a sucker for my homemade lavender lattes, and I think rose lattes will be my next favorite. I love how simple making syrup is. I always opt for honey over sugar.

Rose Water

Rose water, with its gentle yet enchanting essence, offers a range of benefits. It nourishes and hydrates the skin, balances pH levels, soothes irritation, reduces redness, and serves as a natural toner. Its calming properties make it a popular choice for relaxation and stress relief. Rose water can also be used as a refreshing facial mist, a gentle makeup remover, and a natural fragrance. 

There are several different ways of preparing rose water. I’m currently testing the various ways to see which produces the most satisfying results. Here are the three tutorials I’m using. 

Aesthetic purposes

It is the easiest thing to place little bowls with rose petals around the house, especially in the bathroom. You can even make your own potpourri! You can use dried petals or whole dried flowers for this one. This tutorial offers a number of options. However, it does call for the use of Essential Oils. If you’re trying to avoid those or don’t have them on hand, simply skip. 

Rose Body Scrub

I’m not a huge fan of store-bought body scrubs. They are usually filled with chemicals, and fragrances and always seem to dry my skin out more than actually help it. I’ve been making my own body scrubs for years, but have yet to try with my own rose petals. I love this recipe. 

Rose Oil

Another great addition to the skincare routine and so easy to make. The choice of oil will depend on your preference and skin type. I generally really like jojoba oil. Here is a great tutorial. 

Rose Petal Jam

I am new to this one, but excited to try it! The recipe calls for fresh petals, not dried ones. So make sure to keep some fresh rose petals at hand if you plan on making a jam. This is a great tutorial. 

Rose Bath Salts

Those are making me so excited for wintertime baths. Bath salts are a great addition to your bathing routine. Epsom salts have a range of health benefits on their own, such as relief from menstrual cramps and emotional stress. Adding rose to the mix creates a gorgeous aroma and brings along all the health benefits of roses too. Simply mix your Epsom salts with the rose petals and stir together well. Spoon it into a glass jar and you’re all done! The longer you let them sit, the more infused the salts will become. This makes a lovely Valentine’s Day gift too! 

Tips for how to Harvest and Dry Rose Petals

• Make sure your roses are in full bloom before harvesting
• Harvest roses mid-morning. This will ensure that the essential oils are being released but the heat of the day has not yet made them evaporate. 
• Make sure you have sunny weather for a few days after harvest to make air drying easier (you can also use a dehydrator or a conventional oven) 
• Use a flat basket or a cookie sheet for easy manipulation. You will want to keep your container of rose flowers in the sun for as many hours as possible. 

Ingredients & Tools

There really isn’t a whole bunch of things you need to harvest roses and dry the petals. One of my favorite things about it! 

• Scissors – sharp pair of kitchen or gardening scissors for cutting the rose buds
• Gloves – if your rose bush has a lot of thorns, those can come in handy
• Basket – for collecting your freshly harvested rose flowers
• Cookie sheet/flat basket – for laying out in the sun
• Glass jar for storage – you can pick an aesthetic one or a simple one

How to harvest and dry rose petals 

1. Start mid-morning to make sure the buds are already releasing their essential oils but the heat of the day has not yet kicked in. 
2. Pick which flowers you will harvest. I generally start with the ones that already look too heavy for my rose bush or that are growing in sub-optimal spots. 
3. Carefully cut the flowers off the bush, avoiding thorns as you do so. 
4. Carefully place them in your basket. 
5. When you’ve harvested all the flowers you want, take them to a sunny spot and lay them out on your cookie sheet. 
6. Turn them several times per day to make sure they get sun exposure evenly on all sides. 
7. When they are dry enough, pick the petals off the flower. Leave it out to dry for longer if needed. 
8. Store in an airtight container for later use in a delicious recipe or DIY! 

harvest and dry rose petals – FAQ

Which type of roses is best? 

In all honesty – the one you have access to! I always prefer homegrown or wild varieties, to make sure I don’t get exposed to chemicals. If using wild roses, make sure to forage for them away from roads and fields that might be subject to pesticides and fertilizers. 

That being said, certain rose varieties are ideal for drying petals due to their sturdy and durable nature. Old Garden Roses like Damask, Bourbon, and Centifolia, along with English Roses such as ‘Gertrude Jekyll’ and ‘Graham Thomas,’ retain their shape and color well. Hybrid Tea Roses like ‘Double Delight’ and Floribunda Roses like ‘Iceberg’ offer abundant petals for drying. Rugosa Roses like ‘Hansa’ and ‘Blanc Double de Coubert’ are known for their robust petals. 

How long does it take for rose petals to dry completely? 

This depends on a number of factors, like which drying method you’re using, the climate you’re in, and the size of your fresh roses. Generally speaking, they should be completely dry in a few days when left out in the sun. 

Which drying process s best?

There is​ no one best way. However, as I mentioned above, I prefer air drying outdoors. I lay mine out in the sun, however, this can strip some of the fragrance and color. If you want to prevent this, place them outside of direct sunlight, in a dry place. They will take longer to dry. Some of the other most common methods include: 

1. Oven drying: Oven drying is a quicker method that requires low heat. Preheat the oven to the lowest possible temperature (around 100-150°F or 38-65°C). Spread the rose petals in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the oven and leave the door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape. Monitor the petals closely and remove them once they are dry and crisp. This method is faster than air drying but may result in some loss of color and fragrance.
2. Dehydrator: If you have a food dehydrator with adjustable temperature settings, you can use it to dry rose petals efficiently. Set the dehydrator to the lowest temperature (around 95-110°F or 35-43°C) and spread the petals in a single layer on the dehydrator trays. Allow them to dry for several hours until they become crisp. Using a dehydrator preserves the color and fragrance of the petals better than oven drying.
3. Silica gel: Silica gel is a desiccant that absorbs moisture, making it an effective method for drying rose petals quickly. Place a layer of silica gel in a shallow container and gently bury the rose petals within the gel. Ensure the petals are not touching each other or the sides of the container. Seal the container tightly and leave it undisturbed for a few days. The silica gel will absorb the moisture from the petals, resulting in fast drying. However, this method is less suitable if you want to retain the natural color and fragrance of the petals. This method is not suitable if you will be consuming them. 

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