How to Dry Calendula Flowers 3 Different Ways

There are many ways to dry herbs and flowers, read on to learn How to Dry Calendula 3 Ways! If you’re short on time you can use the oven or dehydrator method and if you have lots of time, you can set your calendula flowers out to dry. Regardless of how you dry your calendula, you’re going to love these dried flowers in any DIY skincare recipe. Once you have your dried calendula, try this Calendula-Infused Coconut Oil Recipe so you can start to see the amazing benefits!

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How to Use Dried Calendula Flowers

• Tea: Calendula boosts your immune system with antioxidants, helps with relaxation, and soothes the digestive system. Calendula tea may also help with menstrual cramps.
• Infused Oil: Calendula creates a hydrating, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and acne-fighting oil. It provides natural sun protection and helps with skin regeneration. A calendula-infused oil can also be used as a hair oil to help with shine and to soothe your scalp.
• Balms, creams, lotions: Use your calendula-infused oil in your balm and cream recipes and get all the same benefits. Try our Calendula Baby & Momma Tallow Balm for a natural diaper rash cream and a baby-safe nipple balm for breastfeeding mommas.
• Bath Soak: Adding dried calendula flowers to a bath soak helps soothe irritated skin, reduce inflammation, and promote healing for conditions like eczema or sunburn. Its natural anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties also relax muscles and calm the mind, making it a perfect way to unwind.

When to Pick Calendula Peak Benefits

Calendula should be picked as soon as they have completely bloomed so they are at their peak. You want to pick the whole flower head to get all of the benefits of the flower, not just the petals. Gather your flowers and ensure there’s no dirt or debris by rinsing them under cool water. Pat the flowers dry and then let them dry completely before putting them in the oven or dehydrator.

How to Dry Calendula Using a Dehydrator

• Spread them out in a single layer on the dehydrator tray with space in between for good airflow.
• Dehydrate at about 100º for 12-24 hours. These are fairly thick flowers so they can take a long time to dehydrate.
• Check periodically to make sure they are not overdrying.
• When the petals are dry, they should feel crisp and crumble easily between your fingers. The stems should snap when bent.

How to Dry Calendula with an Oven

Use caution when using your oven to dry flowers and herbs, they are delicate and using a high temperature will cause them to lose potency and potentially burn.

• Spread the flowers on a baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they have space in between for airflow.
• Heat the oven to 170º (or lower if your oven can go any lower) and dry for 2-4 hours.
• Check the flowers every 30 minutes and flip them to ensure they dry evenly. If your oven doesn’t go below 200º, prop the door open and check more often to make sure the flowers aren’t burning.
• They are dry when the petals feel crisp and crumble easily between your fingers. The stems should snap when bent.

How to Dry Calendula using the Air Drying Method

I used the air drying method for my calendula blooms because I had plenty of time before I was going to make my calendula-infused coconut oil.

• Gather the calendula, you can keep the stems on or just pick the flower heads.
• Spread evenly on a tray with plenty of room in between.
• If they still have the stem attached, you can hang bundles of calendula flowers upside down somewhere that is not too humid and is out of direct sunlight.
• Allow to sit or hang in a dark, dry place for 1-2 weeks until fully dried.
• Check every few days to see if they are dried. When they’re ready, they should be crumbly.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dried Calendula

Can I dry calendula petals only, or should I dry the whole flower?

You can dry only the calendula petals but I like to use the whole flower. There are great properties in the entire flower head so why waste them! It takes a little longer to dry the whole flower head but is so worth it.

What is the best time to harvest calendula for drying?

The best time to harvest calendula for drying is in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun is too hot. Choose flowers that are fully open but not yet wilted or overly mature.

How do I know when the calendula is fully dried?

Your calendula flowers are fully dried when they feel crispy and crumble easily. If they’re still soft or pliable, they need more time to dry. The stem should snap, not flex if it’s still attached.

How do I store dried calendula flowers?

You should store the flowers in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Proper storage helps maintain their color and medicinal properties.

Can I dry calendula flowers in direct sunlight?

Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause the flowers to lose color and potency so it is not recommended to dry them in direct sunlight.

Can I use dried calendula for making tea?

Yes! Dried calendula petals can be used to make herbal teas. Simply steep 1-2 tsp of dried and crushed flowers in hot water for 5-10 minutes. You can also combine calendula with other herbs to create a custom tea blend.

How long will dried calendula last?

If stored properly, dried calendula can last for up to 1 year but use within the first 6 months for maximum benefits and quality.