How To Dry Calendula

Learning how to dry calendula is a simple way to preserve the cheerful blooms from your garden for year-round use. This guide will walk you through the easiest and most effective methods to do it yourself.

Drying calendula, or pot marigold, allows you to make homemade teas, salves, oils, and more. The process is straightforward and requires very little special equipment. With a few simple steps, you can capture the sunshiny color and beneficial properties of these flowers.

There are several reliable ways to dry calendula flowers. The best method for you depends on your climate, available space, and how quickly you need the dried petals. We’ll cover air drying, using a dehydrator, and oven drying as a last resort.

No matter which technique you choose, starting with properly harvested flowers is the key to success. Let’s begin there.

Harvesting Calendula for Drying

Timing your harvest correctly ensures the highest quality dried product. Follow these tips for the best results.

Choose the Right Time: Harvest calendula flowers on a dry, sunny morning, just after the dew has evaporated. The blooms should be fully open and vibrant.
Pick at Their Peak: Aim for flowers that are in full bloom but not yet starting to fade or seed. The petals should be taut and brightly colored.
Use Clean Tools: Snip the flower heads from the plant with clean scissors or garden snips, leaving a small bit of stem attached.
Check for Pests: Gently shake each flower head to dislodge any small insects. Give them a quick visual inspection too.

Preparing the Flowers

A little prep work before drying makes a big difference. You don’t want to wash calendula flowers, as added moisture will slow drying and can promote mold.

If they seem dusty, you can gently brush off any debris. The main task is to separate the petals from the green base, called the receptacle. This part can have a bitter taste.

Simply pinch the base of the flower head and pull the petals away. You can dry whole flower heads, but using just the petals often leads to a better, more consistent product for medicinal or culinary use.

Method 1: Air Drying Calendula

Air drying is the most traditional and energy-efficient method. It works beautifully in climates with low humidity.

This process requires patience, as it can take up to two weeks. Here’s how to do it properly.

Prepare a Drying Space: Find a warm, dark, dry, and well-ventilated area. An attic, a spare room with a fan, or a pantry shelf are perfect. Avoid direct sunlight, as it will fade the color.
Choose Your Drying Rack: You can use a simple window screen, a baking rack, or a clean cardboard box. The key is to allow air to circulate above and below the petals.
Spread the Petals: Lay the calendula petals or whole flower heads in a single layer on your chosen surface. Make sure they are not touching or overlapping.
Wait and Check: Leave the petals to dry for 1-2 weeks. Stir or turn them gently every few days to ensure even drying. They are ready when the petals are crisp and brittle to the touch.

Method 2: Using a Food Dehydrator

A dehydrator is the fastest and most reliable method, especially in humid environments. It preserves the vibrant color exceptionally well.

If you have a dehydrator, this is often the preferred approach. Follow these steps.

Set the Temperature: Set your dehydrator to its lowest temperature setting, ideally between 95°F and 115°F (35°C – 46°C). Higher heat can damage the delicate compounds in the flowers.
Arrange the Flowers: Spread the calendula petals in a single layer on the dehydrator trays. Use mesh liner sheets if your trays have large holes to prevent small pieces from falling through.
Dry: Place the trays in the dehydrator and let them run for 4 to 8 hours. Check periodically after the 4-hour mark.
Test for Dryness: The calendula is done when the petals crumble easily between your fingers. There should be no moisture or flexibility left.

Method 3: Oven Drying (The Quick Alternative)

Your kitchen oven can work in a pinch, but it requires careful attention. It’s easy to overheat and damage the flowers.

Use this method only if other options aren’t available. The low heat setting is crucial.

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to its absolute lowest setting, ideally 150°F (65°C) or lower. If you have a “warm” setting, use that.
Prepare Baking Sheets: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the calendula petals in a single, even layer.
Dry with Door Open: Place the sheet in the oven and prop the oven door open slightly to allow moisture to escape. This helps keep the temperature down.
Monitor Closely: Dry for 1-2 hours, checking and stirring every 20 minutes. Remove immediately once the petals are brittle.

How to Test for Dryness and Store Dried Calendula

Proper storage is just as important as proper drying. If you store calendula before it’s completely dry, it can develop mold and ruin your entire batch.

To test, try to crumble a few petals. They should be crisp and shatter, not bend or feel leathery. There should be no coolness to the touch, which indicates residual moisture.

Once fully dry, follow these storage steps:

Let the petals cool completely to room temperature before storing.
Use airtight containers like glass mason jars, metal tins, or opaque containers. Keep them away from light and heat.
Label your containers with the contents and date. Properly stored, dried calendula can last for up to a year.
Check your jars after the first 24 hours. If you see any condensation, the flowers aren’t dry enough. Pour them back out to dry further.

Creative Uses for Your Dried Calendula

Now that you have beautifully dried calendula, what can you do with it? The possibilities are wonderful and practical.

Here are a few common uses to get you started.

Calendula Tea

Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried petals in hot water for 5-10 minutes. The resulting tea is gently soothing and has a mild, slightly floral taste. Some people enjoy it with a bit of honey.

Infused Oil

Fill a jar about halfway with dried calendula petals. Cover them completely with a carrier oil like olive oil or sweet almond oil. Seal the jar and let it sit in a warm place for 4-6 weeks, shaking it occasionally. Then strain it—you’ll have a gorgeous, skin-nourishing oil for salves and lotions.

Herbal Baths and Skincare

Add a handful of dried petals directly to your bathwater for a skin-softening soak. You can also sew them into little muslin bags to make bath sachets that are easy to remove. Crushed petals can be mixed into homemade soap or clay masks.

Troubleshooting Common Drying Problems

Sometimes things don’t go perfectly. Here’s how to fix common issues.

Flowers Turned Brown: This is usually caused by too much heat or direct sunlight during drying. Next time, use a darker location or a lower temperature setting.

Petals Feel Damp or Limp: The drying wasn’t complete, or humidity was too high. Try finishing them in a dehydrator for an hour or two, or spread them out in a warm room with a fan.

Mold Appeared: Unfortunately, mold means the batch is spoiled and should be discarded. This happens from insufficient air circulation, starting with damp flowers, or storing before completely dry. Always ensure good airflow during the drying process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can you dry whole calendula flowers?
Yes, you can dry whole flower heads. The process takes a bit longer than drying just the petals, and you may want to remove the green base before using them in teas or oils due to its bitter flavor.

How long does dried calendula last?
When stored correctly in an airtight container away from light and heat, dried calendula maintains its best quality for about 9-12 months. After that, it slowly loses potency and color.

What is the fastest way to dry calendula?
Using a food dehydrator on a low setting is the fastest and most controlled method, typically taking just 4-8 hours. Oven drying is quicker than air drying but requires constant monitoring.

Do you have to dry calendula before making oil?
Yes, it is highly recommended. Using dried calendula for infused oils greatly reduces the risk of introducing water into the oil, which can cause spoilage and mold growth.

Drying your own calendula is a rewarding project that connects you to your garden’s bounty through the seasons. With these simple methods, you can confidently preserve those sunny blooms. The result is a versatile, homegrown ingredient ready for your kitchen apothecary or craft projects.