How to Properly Dry Roses

Some ways of drying roses include air drying, pressing or drying with the aid of heat. These methods usually result in discolored petals and misshapen flowers. Using a desiccant, a dry substance that absorbs the moisture out of the flower, is the proper way to dry roses and maintain their shape, color and some fragrance.

Pruning shears
Bucket
24-gauge florist wire
Plastic container the size of shoebox with airtight lid
Silica gel
Soft artists paint brush
Cookie sheet

Instructions

- 1
  Cut rose stems at least 4 inches long from the rose bush with pruning shears. Choose roses that have not completely opened as they will open further during the drying process. Place stems in a bucket of water until ready to process.
- 2
  Remove the stem, leaving only the base of the flower and one inch of the stem. Push the end of the 24-gauge wire through the base, or green part under the flower, at a right angle to the stem and push through other side of the base. Bend the wire down on both sides of the base twisting it underneath. Keep the wire as long as needed and bend it to the side.
- 3
  Pour 1-inch silica gel into the bottom of the container. Place roses face up on top. Sprinkle more gel around and over top until the roses are completely covered. Cover the box tightly, and place in a dry area for 5 days.
- 4
  Check one of the flowers in the box after 5 days to see if it has dried. Carefully pull it up with your fingers. It should feel crisp yet not as brittle as to fall apart. If the flower is not dry, carefully bury it and wait a few more days to test again.
- 5
  Pour silica gel off carefully onto a cookie sheet until flowers are visible. Gently remove them from the gel with fingers. Turn upside down and tap to remove any gel within the petals. Brush any remaining gel off with a dry brush.
- 6
  Unbend the wire stems and the flowers are ready to use in projects.

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