How to Make Dehydrated Rose Petals in a Dehydrator

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Dehydrated Rose Petals bring lasting beauty. Learn how to dehydrate roses in a dehydrator so you can use them in all your other projects!

How to make dehydrated rose petals in a dehydrator

With a bounty of beautiful roses blooming right outside my door, it’s the perfect time to dive into the art of preserving their elegance. I’ve harvested a generous amount and am excited to explore the different ways to use them. But in today’s post, I’d like us to focus on one method: using a dehydrator


We got a dehydrator for the first time earlier this year, and I’m loving it! So far, I’ve used it to dry everything from strawberries to herbs and different kinds of beautiful flowers. But dehydrating rose petals and blooms is my absolute favorite—mainly because of the heavenly smell.


In my experience, using a dehydrator is hands-down the best, fastest, and easiest way to dry rose petals. 

rose petals

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple: Dehydrating rose petals with a dehydrator is simple and fast. It also minimizes the chance of mold or other issues that arise from petals that haven’t been properly dried.
  • Versatile: Dried rose petals can be used in a variety of DIY projects and for decorative purposes.
  • Heavenly Smell: My favorite thing about using a dehydrator for rose petals is how amazing the entire house smells!

What You’ll Need

  • Fresh roses

Tools


rose petals in dehydrator

Instructions

  • Pluck the petals off the flowers. You can even use the dehydrator to dry whole, smaller flowers.
  • Spread the petals out evenly on the dehydrator trays.
  • Set the dehydrator to 130°F (55°C).
  • Run the dehydrator for roughly 5 hours.

FAQ

The time required to dehydrate rose petals varies by method. Air drying can take 2-4 weeks, while using a dehydrator is an effective way to dry them in about 4–6 hours. If you use a microwave, it takes about 2–3 minutes.

Avoid exposing the petals to direct sunlight. Drying rose petals in a cool, dark place is a great method to keep their natural scent and hues intact.

Using a dehydrator is the simplest way to dry rose petals quickly. It removes moisture in just 4–6 hours and preserves the beauty of roses. 

Yes, you can dehydrate cut roses with the stems still attached. For a dried flower bouquet, you can hang them upside down using string or floral wire. This is a popular method to create a charming flower arrangement.


Tips for Dehydrating Rose Petals

  1. Spread the petals in a single layer on a paper towel or dehydrator tray. For larger flowers, consider cutting them into smaller pieces to speed up the drying process.
  2. When plucking petals, be gentle to avoid bruising, which can affect their appearance once dried. 
  3. Although 130°F (55°C) is a good starting point, you might want to adjust slightly lower if you’re concerned about preserving the natural oils and fragrance of the petals.
  4. While 5 hours is a general guideline, the actual time may vary depending on your dehydrator model and the humidity in your environment. You want to start checking your petals around the 4-hour mark to ensure they don’t over-dry.
  5. For even drying, rotate the trays halfway through the process, especially if your dehydrator doesn’t have a fan for uniform airflow.
  6. If your dehydrator trays have large gaps, line them with parchment paper to prevent smaller petals from falling through and to make cleanup easier.
  7. Make sure the petals are fully dry before storing them, as incomplete drying can lead to mold growth.
  8. For the best results, start with fresh roses from your rose bushes. Fully open roses work well and offer a delightful way to enjoy their beauty even after drying.

Storing Dehydrated Rose Petals

Dehydrated rose petals can be stored for up to 1-2 years if kept in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Proper storage helps maintain the color and fragrance over time.

  • Store dried rose petals in a plastic bag or glass container with a tight seal to prevent moisture while maintaining freshness.
  • If you’re using retail store packaging, ensure it is undamaged and suitable for storing dried petals.
  • To preserve their color and scent, keep the container in a cool, dark place and avoid areas with high humidity levels or direct sunlight.

How to Make Dehydrated Rose Petals in a Dehydrator

How to Make Dehydrated Rose Petals in a Dehydrator

Learn how to dehydrate roses in a dehydrator so you can use them in all your other projects!

Materials

  • Fresh roses

Tools

  • dehydrator

Instructions

  1. Pluck the petals off the flowers. You can even use the dehydrator to dry whole, smaller flowers.
  2. Spread the petals out evenly on the dehydrator trays.
  3. Set the dehydrator to 130°F (55°C).
  4. Run the dehydrator for roughly 5 hours.

Notes

Tips for Dehydrating Rose Petals

  1. Spread the petals in a single layer on a paper towel or dehydrator tray. For larger flowers, consider cutting them into smaller pieces to speed up the drying process.
  2. When plucking petals, be gentle to avoid bruising, which can affect their appearance once dried. 
  3. Although 130°F (55°C) is a good starting point, you might want to adjust slightly lower if you’re concerned about preserving the natural oils and fragrance of the petals.
  4. While 5 hours is a general guideline, the actual time may vary depending on your dehydrator model and the humidity in your environment. You want to start checking your petals around the 4-hour mark to ensure they don’t over-dry.
  5. For even drying, rotate the trays halfway through the process, especially if your dehydrator doesn’t have a fan for uniform airflow.
  6. If your dehydrator trays have large gaps, line them with parchment paper to prevent smaller petals from falling through and to make cleanup easier.
  7. Make sure the petals are fully dry before storing them, as incomplete drying can lead to mold growth.
  8. For the best results, start with fresh roses from your rose bushes. Fully open roses work well and offer a delightful way to enjoy their beauty even after drying.

Storing Dehydrated Rose Petals

Dehydrated rose petals can be stored for up to 1-2 years if kept in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Proper storage helps maintain the color and fragrance over time.

  • Store dried rose petals in a plastic bag or glass container with a tight seal to prevent moisture while maintaining freshness.
  • If you’re using retail store packaging, ensure it is undamaged and suitable for storing dried petals.
  • To preserve their color and scent, keep the container in a cool, dark place and avoid areas with high humidity levels or direct sunlight.

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