How To Make Potpourri From Garden Roses:
Potpourri is a lovely addition to any residence. The collection of dried petals and other plant materials makes a decorative feast for the nose and eyes when positioned in a suitably pretty bowl or display jar. If you’re a fan of a fragrance feature, you might wonder how to make potpourri from scratch, which is a process that can be made all the more satisfying if you have your own garden.
Many ingredients can be included in potpourri, such as dried cloves, dehydrated citrus peels and powdered roots. However, the ultimate potpourri ingredient, one that can be the basis in and of itself, is the dried petals of rose plants (and other flowering plants). This garden crafts guide will teach you how to take the petals from potted roses and turn them into the base of a great potpourri bowl – a great activity that will benefit your house with a nostalgic smell for months!
How to gather the rose petals
You can’t just go plucking petals willy-nilly. The process of knowing how to make a potpourri mix is largely about timing and consideration.
- Harvest roses when they’re starting to open or are fully open – they should be vibrant and have their strongest fragrance
- Cut the roses’ heads off completely, rather than plucking the petals off individually
- Choose a variety of roses with a strong, enjoyable fragrance – potted roses and bed varieties can differ in scent strength
- Only ever gather the roses and petals on dryer days, as wet petals might get mouldy during drying
- Feel free to take your time collecting roses over a few days
These principles should ensure you gather the petals safely and effectively.
How to make potpourri from rose petals
Once you’ve collected your rose heads, it’s time to start the actual making process. This is the fun part that can do wonders for the mind!
Preparing them for drying
Before you actively dry the petals, you need to lay them out in a single, thin layer. It’s best to position them on screens, mesh racks, paper towels, newspaper or something of the sort, with all debris removed.
Drying the rose petals
There are a few different ways that you can dry rose petals for potpourri. Across any method, the petals should feel papery and slightly crisp to the touch.
Air drying (easy). This is the most common, popular and foolproof method. Choose a warm, dry and well-ventilated spot away from direct sunlight, turning petals once or twice a day for several days to a week.
Oven drying (carefully). Set the oven to its lowest setting possible (below 90°C), spread the petals along a lined baking tray (with paper), dry for about 20-60 minutes, checking regularly to offset burning.
Microwave drying (extra care). Position a single layer of petals between two paper towels on a heat-safe plate. Nuke the petals on low power for 15-30 seconds at a time, checking for dryness after every round.
Using a dehydrator (easy). If you have one, you can set your dehydrator to around 35-45°C and leave your petals in there for a few hours.
These methods will all get you to the same place, your choice will depend on your risk appetite and time constraints.
What next?
Now that you’ve dried your rose petals, you could simply place them in a decorative container and enjoy the smell. However, adding elements like fixatives, essential oils, spices, other dried petals and visual elements like acorns or pine cones could take your homemade potpourri to the next level.
Remember, wherever your potpourri journey takes you, it’s best to start with homegrown plants, increasing your connectivity to the process and the finished product.
