How to Preserve Rose Petals

Whether presented as a gift or grown in a garden, roses may represent fond memories for many people. If you prefer not to part with your roses, there are several ways to preserve them. You can use gels and sands to dry out of the roses. You can also use heat to preserve them. Professional services are also available if you want the scent and color of your roses to remain intact.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Dehydrating Petals with Gels and Sands

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1
Dehydrate petals with silica gel. Silica gel, which can be purchased at most craft stores, can easily be used to preserve rose petals. You'll need a large package of silica gel and an airtight, sealable container.
- Place an inch of silica gel at the bottom of an airtight container. Then, add the rose petals.^{[1]XResearch source}
- Add about another half inch of silica gel, completely covering the flowers. Place the lid on the container and set aside in a safe place away from pets or children.^{[2]XResearch source}
- It can take anywhere from two to seven days for flowers to dry completely. At this point, they can be removed and used in crafts. Wetter, larger petals will take longer to dry than smaller, dryer ones.^{[3]XResearch source}
2
Dry out petals with borax and sand. Borax and sand can also be used to preserve rose petals. As silica gel can be a hazard to pets and children, you may feel safer with this method. You'll need to buy fine sand and borax powder at a local craft store. Once again, you'll also need a container. However, you'll be leaving the container uncovered so it does not need to be sealable or airtight.
- Sift the borax first, making sure to remove all the lumps. Then, mix the borax and sand. You should use a mixture of 2 parts borax, 1 part fine sand.^{[4]XResearch source}
- Line one inch of the borax/sand mixture on the bottom of your container. Add the rose petals. Then, cover them completely with borax and sand. You'll need about half an inch.^{[5]XResearch source}
- This method takes slightly longer to work than the silica gel method. You'll have to set your open container aside for 14 to 17 days before the petals dry completely.^{[6]XResearch source}
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3
Preserve petals using cat litter. A plain, dust-free cat litter can also help preserve rose petals. You would use the same layering process as you used with silica gel. Line the bottom of an airtight, sealable container with an inch of cat litter. Then, add the rose petals. Then, add another half inch of cat litter. Seal the container and set aside for two to seven days.^{[7]XResearch source}
- If you have cats, make sure to place the container out of their reach. If they see a container full of litter, they may assume it's for them and try to get into it.
Borax can also be mixed with white corn meal to preserve flowers. Mix the borax and corn meal with a 50/50 ratio. Then, line an inch of the mixture on the bottom of a container. Add the rose petals. Cover with another half inch. Set the container aside, uncovered, for 14 to 17 days.^{[8]XResearch source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Drying Out Petals Using Heat

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Dry the roses in the oven. You can also use an oven to dry out petals. This method is quicker than air drying, but may cause more discoloration. To start, heat your oven to 180 degrees Fahrenheit.^{[9]XResearch source}
- Arrange the petals in a layer on a cookie sheet. Make sure the petals are not touching.^{[10]XResearch source}
- Place the cookie sheet in the oven. Heat the roses for at least 3 hours, keeping the oven door open the entire time.^{[11]XResearch source}
- Remove the tray and set it aside in a safe place where it's unlikely to be disturbed. Leave overnight. There should be no more moisture on the flowers by morning.^{[12]XResearch source}
2
Iron the petals. An iron can also help dry out flowers for preservation. However, this flattens the petals significantly. If you don't want to distort the shape, you may want to try another method.
- To start, heat your iron to its lowest setting. Do not add water to the iron. If there is any water in the iron, empty it.^{[13]XResearch source}
- Place the flowers between two sheets of absorbent paper. Use a book to flatten them slightly. Then, press the iron on top of the absorbent sheets for 10 to 15 seconds. Do not make any gliding motions. Simply press the iron down.^{[14]XResearch source}
3
Heat a flower press in the microwave. A microwave can also help dry out flower petals for preservation. This process is very quick, which is its main advantage. However, pressing flowers under a microwave can cause them to brown.
- You should buy a professional microwave flower press, which you can buy online or at a local craft store, for the best results. However, if you don't have a professional flower press you can make one by placing the petals between two ceramic tiles. From there, you can tie the tiles together with non-flammable string or twine.^{[15]XResearch source}
- Place the press in the microwave. Heat it for 30 to 60 seconds at a time. Allow the press to cool off completely between sessions.^{[16]XResearch source}
- Check the flowers periodically. Once they appear completely dry, you can remove them and use them for craft purposes.^{[17]XResearch source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Trying Other Methods

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Air dry the roses. You can use natural heat to dry rose petals. This method can take slightly longer than others, but may require less work on your part.^{[18]XExpert SourceRachel Cho
Floral Designer & Plant SpecialistExpert Interview. 20 August 2021.}
- To preserve petals, you need to set them on a surface that allows air circulation.^{[19]XExpert SourceRachel Cho
  Floral Designer & Plant SpecialistExpert Interview. 20 August 2021.} You can use a wire cookie rack or a window screen, for example.^{[20]XResearch source}
- Set the petals across the surface, making sure they're not touching each other. Then, find a warm and dark place to set the petals aside. Choose a place out of reach of children and animals. You do not want the petals to get disturbed during the drying process.^{[21]XResearch source}
- It will take 10 to 20 days for the petals to dry completely. If you're drying more petals, it will take longer.^{[22]XResearch source}
2
Press the petals between books. If you don't mind investing some extra time, you can press flowers between a book and set aside for a few weeks. To start, place the petals between two pieces of absorbent paper. Make sure they are not touching. Then, place the paper and petals between the pages of a heavy book. A phone book works well.^{[23]XResearch source}
- Place a brick or other heavy item on top of the book to weigh it down.^{[24]XResearch source}
- Once a week, replace the absorbent papers. It will take the petals a few weeks to completely dry.^{[25]XResearch source}
A quality dehydrator, while expensive, is one of the best means to preserve petals without harming their appearance. You can purchase a dehydrator online or at a local craft shop. Set the dehydrator to its lowest heat setting and then place the petals inside. Allow the dehydrator to dry them and then remove.^{[26]XResearch source}
Professional freeze-drying can be expensive. However, the rose's color and scent will remain preserved if you use this method. If the rose petals are particularly important to you, you may want to put your money towards professional freeze drying.^{[27]XResearch source}

Expert Q&A

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Question
How do you preserve rose petals without drying them?
Rachel Cho
Floral Designer & Plant Specialist
Rachel Cho is a Floral Designer, Plant Specialist, and the Owner of Rachel Cho Floral Design, a floral shop based in New York City. With more than 16 years of experience, she specializes in original and impactful floral design and is known for her dexterity, innate artistry, and design sense. Rachel’s work has been featured in numerous national media outlets such as The New York Times, Harper’s Bazaar, and Huffington Post Weddings.
Rachel Cho
Floral Designer & Plant Specialist
Expert Answer
If you plan to use the rose petals for an event, hydrate them in a humid source. Line a clean large recipient with paper towel, and mist it with water. Place the petals over the paper and spray them with water. Close the lid and make sure it is airtight. Keep it in a cool dark area for 1-2 days, or in a cooler if there is space.
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How can I preserve a rose from a funeral?
Community Answer
Drying it out would be your best option.
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How do I preserve the color of the petals if I want to keep them for a long time?
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I would recommend putting them in a clear resin or coating them with varnish if you want them to have a fresher look and maintain their color.
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The color of the petals will darken when they are dried. Red petals may appear almost black, pink petals will be deep mauve, and white petals may be ivory or yellow.
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If you dry petals or flowers in the sunlight, they will get brown parts. Hang them in the dark, or put a brown paper bag over the flowers to keep the colors more vibrant.
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