How to Dry Calendula Flowers: Step-by-Step Guide & Tips

There are many ways to dry herbs and flowers; learn How to Dry Calendula in 3 ways in this article! 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!

If you want more DIY herbal recipes, check out our page on Natural Living.

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Benefits of Calendula

Calendula (Calendula officinalis), also known as pot marigold, is one of the most versatile herbs for both skincare and wellness. Here’s a breakdown of its main benefits:

Skin Health

Wound Healing – Speeds up the healing of minor cuts, burns, and scrapes by stimulating collagen production.
Soothing Irritation – Calms eczema, dermatitis, and rashes with its gentle, anti-inflammatory compounds.
Acne Support – Helps reduce redness and swelling while promoting clearer skin.
Moisturizing – Infused oils or creams nourish dry or chapped skin.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Rich in flavonoids and triterpenoids, calendula helps reduce inflammation both topically (skin conditions) and internally (digestive tract when used as a tea or tincture).

Antimicrobial & Antifungal

Effective against certain bacteria and fungi, making it a natural aid for preventing infections in minor wounds or soothing yeast-related skin issues.

Digestive Support

Calendula tea can ease indigestion, calm stomach ulcers, and support liver health by reducing inflammation in the digestive tract.

Immune System Boost

Its antioxidant properties help the body fight oxidative stress and support overall immune function.

Gentle for Babies

Often used in natural baby creams and diaper rash salves because of its soothing, non-irritating qualities.

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Soothe your skin. Calm your mind. Download the free soothe and soak guide photo.

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 already made 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.

calendula flowers with calendula tallow baby balm

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

There are so many dehydrators on the market right now, and it can be overwhelming to choose one if you don’t already have one. This is the dehydrator we love! It is made with stainless steel and not plastic.

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 dry. When they’re ready, they should be crumbly.

Explore More Herbal Recipes

There are so many ways to use fresh and dried herbs and flowers from your garden or from a trusted source. Check out some of these recipes and methods:

How to Dry Yarrow – Learn the simple steps to harvest, dry, and store yarrow so you can use this versatile herb year-round for teas, salves, and home remedies.
Lemon Balm Lip Balm – A soothing DIY lip balm recipe that combines lemon balm’s natural antiviral properties with nourishing oils for soft, healthy lips. Great for fighting cold sores.
Dandelion Tallow Sugar Scrub – Whip up a skin-loving sugar scrub that blends dandelion-infused oil, creamy tallow, and gentle exfoliation for smooth, glowing skin.
Healing Plantain Salve – Discover how to turn common backyard plantain into a healing salve for cuts, stings, and scrapes—perfect for a natural first aid kit.

freshly picked calendula flowers in a green bowl

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 it 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 to make 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.

Put Your Calendula to Work

Now that you know how simple it is to dry calendula at home, don’t let those beautiful petals sit unused! Try infusing them into oils, mixing them into soothing salves, or brewing them into a calming tea. However you choose to use them, your dried calendula will become a staple in your natural remedies.

Be sure to check out my other herbal DIYs for inspiration on our Natural Living Page, and start building a home apothecary you’ll love!