Drying Roses by Cindy Garrett

1. Drying Rosesby Cindy Garrett Sunglow Miniflora from Whit Wells

2. Drying Roses Commonly used methods: • Microwave • Air Drying

3. Drying Roses in Microwave Oven Materials you will need • Dust mask • Silica Gel • Dried Flower Spray • Small brushes • Microwave safe jar

4. 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

5. Drying Roses in Microwave Oven • Partially fill jar with silica gel • Place flowers, stem down into silica gel • Do not let flowers touch

6. 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

7. Drying Roses in Microwave Oven • Place container with roses in microwave • Place 1 cup of water in rear corner of microwave

8. 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.

9. Drying Roses in Microwave Oven • Carefully remove from oven • Let jar and gel completely cool

10. Drying Roses in Microwave Oven • Slowly pour the silica gel from the jar

11. Drying Roses in Microwave Oven • Carefully remove flowers

12. Drying Roses in Microwave Oven • Gently brush any excess grains of gel from petals and stem

13. Drying Roses in Microwave Oven Examples of dried miniatures

14. Air Drying Roses • Easiest and cheapest method of drying roses • Blooms will not maintain their usual form • Blooms should be harvested on a dry day after dew has evaporated • Blooms can be grouped in bunches and hung upside down in a dry, dark and well ventilated area • Let dry for several days • Routinely check to determine when flowers are fully dried