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If you love roses and you want to grow your own, now is the perfect time to get started. Rose season has arrived, and with the right care, you can expect the first blooms to burst open in late spring to early summer.
So whether you enjoy roses for their beautiful appearance or scent, there are plenty of jobs you can be doing right now. And don't be put off if you are a beginner, growing roses is easier than you think.
Article continues below1. Choose the right rose variety
To get you off to the best start, avoid picking up any rose that takes your fancy.
“Different types of roses suit different gardens and growing conditions,” says King, and he adds, “Hybrid tea roses are a classic choice, known for their large, elegant blooms that are perfect for cutting. If you’re planning to plant roses later in winter, he says bare-root roses are the best choice. “During this dormant season, the plants are less likely to experience transplant shock, allowing their roots to establish more easily before spring growth begins.”
2. Consider the sun and soil
Before you start digging, consider where you are going to plant your roses, so they are placed in the optimal environment.
“Roses love sunlight, so make sure to plant them in a location with at least six hours of direct sun per day to encourage strong growth and abundant blooms,” advises King.
“It is also important to consider the soil when growing a rose bush. Roses thrive in rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter.”
However, he warns against planting roses in waterlogged soil, as it can lead to root rot, which can cut the life of the plant short.
3. Mulch your roses
Roses love mulch, and you should aim to apply 2-3 inches in early spring. You can chose a compost, bark or well-rotted manure.
“Mulching around the base of the plant helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature, creating the perfect environment for healthy, thriving roses. Adding compost or a balanced fertilizer can also help provide essential nutrients to aid growth,” says King.
4. Don’t overwater
At this time of year, when roses are not actively growing and instead establishing strong roots, they need much less water than later in the year.
“If there is regular rainfall, additional watering may not be necessary. During dry spells or in particularly cold but dry climates, you should water them about once every two to three weeks to prevent the roots from drying out,” he says.
“Water at the base of the plant to avoid encouraging fungal diseases like black spot or powdery mildew. If the ground is frozen, avoid watering altogether, as the roots won’t be able to absorb moisture.”
5. Prune and maintain your roses
Proper pruning now will set your roses up for a season of vibrant blooms, but be sure to use one of the best pairs of pruning shears, and that they are clean and sharp. You might also want to protect your arms from thorns with a pair of gardening gloves, such as G & F Product's Florist Pro Gardening Gloves, $11 at Amazon.
“With hybrid tea and floribunda roses, remove any dead or weak stems to encourage strong, healthy growth by cutting them back to around 15-30 cm (6-12 inches) from the ground,” advises King.
“Climbing and rambling roses should be tidied up and lightly shaped, while shrub roses require only a light prune to maintain their shape and remove any dead or damaged branches.”
6. Feed your roses
“Roses are hungry plants that need plenty of nutrients and minerals to thrive,” says King.
And because soil quality isn’t always easy to gauge, he suggests applying a general-purpose rose fertilizer in early spring to give them a strong start. “This helps promote healthy growth and ensures they have the energy to produce abundant blooms throughout the season,” he adds.
You could try Espoma’s Organic Rose-Tone 4-3-2 Organic Fertilizer, $25 at Amazon.
7. Protect your roses from pests
Roses can be susceptible to a few common problems, but with the right care, they can be managed effectively.
“Black spot is a common disease that causes dark patches on leaves. You should remove any affected leaves to prevent spreading or apply a fungicide,” says King.
Another issue is aphids, which are attracted to roses and can weaken the plants by sucking sap from new growth. But rather than relying on pesticides, King suggests encouraging natural predators, such as ladybugs, into your yard. Alternatively, you can spray your rose bush with soapy water to protect it from pests.
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