We are often given roses on special occasions and sometimes we want to keep them to always remember those moments. Unfortunately, they will fade within a week. Drying roses from a wedding bouquet or received at a prom or simply drying those from our garden is the best way to make memories that will last for many years to come.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Air dry roses
Step 1. Choose roses that have flowered well
Your roses should be beautiful and well open, without blemishes or traces of moisture. The latter can cause mold, while any defects will speed up drying. It is possible to use roses that have bloomed slightly, but avoid those that have already started to crumble and are losing their petals.
Step 2. Cut the stems of your roses
Cut them without shortening them too much. Leave at least 15 cm of stem. Thin out them, because the leaves are not beautiful when they dry. They must therefore be removed.
Usually the leaves also contain water, and this water makes the flowers dry up faster
Step 3. Tie the stems together with a rubber band
Gather the roses you want to dry, then wrap them with a rubber band. You must leave about 5 cm below this elastic. Tighten the elastic until all of your rods stay secure.
Form a pretty bouquet before you start drying your roses so that they are already ready for display
Step 4. Install a clothesline in a dark, cool room
Choose a room you don't use often, such as an attic, extra toilet, or laundry room. This room must be well ventilated so that the humidity can be evacuated. Obtain some twine or a clothesline, then set up your line. Your installation should be strong so that it can support the weight of your roses.
Go for a dark room. Your roses will darken when they dry, and if you expose them to light, this process will be speeded up. On the other hand, if you choose a dark place, the alteration of their color will be reduced
Step 5. Tie your flowers to a hanger
Using one end of the elastic, hang your roses on the hook of a hanger. If it's a hanger that has two hooks, wedge your roses on the second.
Step 6. Hang them up for 2-3 weeks
Hang the hanger hook on the line and let your roses air dry. It may take several weeks before your flowers are completely dry.
Step 7. Use hairspray to preserve your roses
Once they are dry, they will be brittle. Unhook them from the hanger, then spray them with hairspray to strengthen them and prevent them from getting damaged.
- Opt for an odorless lacquer.
- Avoid saturating your roses by spraying them very lightly.
Method 2 of 2: Dry roses using a desiccant
Step 1. Choose your desiccant
Some products have a sandy texture that absorbs the moisture contained in the roses to promote even and quick drying. You have several options available to you: cornmeal, borax, silica gel (which is very popular), and alum.
It is also possible to use sand
Step 2. Cut the stem of your rose, leaving about 2 inches
You need to place your rose with its button facing the top of the container. So make sure that the latter is large enough that you can cover your flower with a lid.
If your rose is too long, cut its stem further so it can fit into the container
Step 3. Put your rose in your desiccant
Fill the container with 2 inches of substance, then push the stem of your rose into it. It is necessary that the flower cannot move and that the button is placed upwards.
If you want to put several roses in your container, leave at least 2.5 cm between each flower
Step 4. Completely cover your rose with desiccant
Use a small cup to pour more over your rose bud. Cover it completely. Make sure the product settles between the petals. If your rose tilts to the side, straighten it and balance it with a spoon.
Step 5. Leave your flower in its tightly closed container for a week or two
Close the container with an airtight lid. If you want more security, wrap the container with tape. Let your flowers sit for 2 weeks. If it is a dwarf species, a week should suffice.
Write down the date you sealed the container using a marker on one side of the container
Step 6. Remove your rose from the container and shake it to remove any residue of the substance
Carefully pour the contents of the container over a baking sheet. Pick up your rose by its stem, then shake it lightly until it is neat. If any dust or dirt remains, gently rub the petals.
- If you notice that there is some residue left on your rose, pour a handful of desiccant on the affected area.
- If you've opted for silica gel as your substance and poured it into a baking sheet to collect your rose, you should know that you can bake it and reuse it.
Step 7. Bake the silica gel in order to use it again
If it looks like it has changed color or has rubbed off, it has moisture in it. If it has turned from blue to pink or from orange to green, you will need to dry it out by cooking it.
- Pour the gel into a microwave-safe bowl. Set it to the “defrost” position or to medium power. Bake for 2 to 3 minutes or until the gel has regained its color. It will mean that you can use it again.
- Using a pot holder, collect the bowl. Be very careful: the desiccator and the bowl will be very hot. Let them cool for 24 hours on a heat-resistant surface.
- It is possible to cook your desiccant before using it for the very first time if it shows signs of mold.