Gardens

Roses - Fertilization

Best fertilizer for roses based on soil tests

There are many types of fertilizers available for roses. Gardeners may prefer one type over another depending upon their experiences or recommendations of other successful rose growers.

Roses, like most plants, respond to a regular program of fertilization. Rose plants are considered to be moderately heavy feeders. They have an accelerated period of growth and flowering in the spring, one or more growth cycles during the summer and a heavy growth and flowering cycle during the fall. Getting healthy stems, foliage and flowers during these periods requires close attention to fertilization and watering.

Fertilizers for roses…

There are many types of fertilizers available for roses. Gardeners may prefer one type over another depending upon their experiences or recommendations of other successful rose growers. The best and most accurate method of fertilization is based upon soil test results.

Use a standard practice…

Contact your County Extension Office for information about soil testing. If the time delay will hold up your fertilization program you can use a standard practice. It consists of one-fourth measuring cup of 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 fertilizer per plant beginning in March and going through September. Sprinkle the fertilizer around the plant beginning 6 inches away from the stems. Be careful not to get fertilizer on the rose stems or foliage. Water thoroughly to get the fertilizer down into the soil. It is not necessary to remove the mulch.

Follow fertilizer directions…

Some rose growers prefer to use specialty fertilizers such as granules, liquids on foliage and the slow release or non-burning types. Any of them will give you good results if you use them according to directions. Repeat the application monthly through September. Fertilizer, sunshine and maintaining the plants free of insects and diseases will help you grow beautiful roses.

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