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Rose fertilizer

Rose fertilizer products are applied to rose plants to support growth and flowering. Both organic and synthetic fertilizers are available, as well as different methods of application, including powdered, granular, water-soluble, and liquid fertilizers.

While florist and exhibition roses are fed several times a month with a rotation of different products, the best rose fertilizer for garden roses tends to be a granular slow-release balanced rose fertilizer applied once in early spring and again in late summer. Regular applications of compost and/or organic mulch are also helpful.

Promix flower food

Rose fertilizer basics

Rose fertilizer is an integral part of overall rose care to help maintain the health and vitality of roses. Using rose fertilizer regularly and paying attention to potential problems can help keep your blooms healthy, keep leaves from yellowing, and ensure the plant remains productive all year round.

There are a variety of different types of rose fertilizers available, including organic and synthetic options. While synthetic options are still widely available, more gardeners are now moving to organic products as they are generally more sustainable to produce and less likely to burn plants or pollute the wider ecosystem.

When choosing rose fertilizers, paying attention to the nutrient content is important to ensure that your roses are getting the nutrients they need. You should also be aware of the potential side effects of using rose fertilizers and make sure to follow the directions carefully to avoid any problems.

The best time to use a rose fertilizer is when you first plant your roses, which will help them get off to a good start. As your roses grow, you should continue to use slow-release organic granular fertilizers once or twice a year to keep them healthy and productive.

“If you do choose to supplement with fertilizers, I would most definitely recommend going with an organic product, that is, one derived from natural sources rather than being synthetically manufactured. Some good choices include blood and bone meal, chicken pellets, liquid fish fertilizer, compost tea, seaweed, worm castings, and kelp-based products.”

Roses Without Chemicals, by Peter E. Kukielski
Rose garden

When to fertilize roses

Roses in the garden are generally fed twice per year with a slow-release fertilizer. Fertilize roses once in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer designed to last for 3-4 months. Fertilize again in late summer with a slow-release fertilizer that isn’t too high in nitrogen.

Save the first spring feed for when the rose plants are showing the first signs of spring growth (tiny leaves appearing). It also makes sense to wait until the average last frost date is no more than a month away, as sometimes roses can show a bit of growth during mid-winter warm spells. Try to avoid fertilizing roses when temperatures drop below freezing. Never apply fertilizer to frozen soil.

Feed roses again with a slow-release organic fertilizer in late summer once the nights start to become a bit cooler. Roses in hot climates go into a semi-dormant state during the hottest days of summer but begin to actively grow once nighttime temperatures cool down. Rose plants are also dormant in winter in climates with cool or freezing winters. Don’t feed during these dormant times (let the plant rest). Read more about fall rose care here.

“Roses like lots of food. Add fertilizer to boost growth prior to flowering.”

Reliable Roses, by Philip Harkness

Foliar feeding for roses

Rose fertilizer is not only commonly used when planting roses to help them get off to a good start, but it can also be applied regularly throughout the growing season. One popular method of distributing fertilizer to your rose bushes is called foliar feeding, which involves spraying liquid fertilizers (often seaweed-based, like this popular kelp foliar fertilizer) directly onto the leaves.

There are a few advantages to using foliar feeding for roses. First, the leaves quickly absorb the liquid fertilizers, which can help your roses get the nutrients they need more quickly. Additionally, foliar feeding is a less invasive method of fertilizer application than conventional methods such as soil or root feeding.

However, there are also some drawbacks to using foliar feeding for your roses. First, it can be difficult to distribute the fertilizer evenly, which can lead to problems such as leaf burn. Additionally, foliar feeding can be more expensive than other methods of fertilizer application.

If you decide to use foliar feeding for your roses, be sure to follow the directions carefully and avoid spraying the leaves in direct sunlight, as this can lead to leaf burn.

“Liquid seaweed-based fertilizers do wonders when applied as a foliar spray. The foliage turns a darker green, the colors on the blooms become more intense, and the canes are hardier. Overall, the plants are happier. Liquid seaweed is rich in potassium, minerals, and trace elements, and they even contain some growth hormones. It’s also very good at making these nutrients available to the plant.”

Everyday Roses: How to Grow Knock Out and Other Easy-Care Garden Roses, by Paul Zimmerman

Use organic mulch for rose beds

Promote a thriving soil ecosystem by mulching regularly with organic mulch. You can use homemade compost, bulk composted plant matter, or bagged organic compost as organic mulch. If you prefer the look of wood mulch, top the compost with hardwood mulch.

Organic mulch is a great way to keep your rose bed healthy and free of weeds. Organic mulch is made from natural materials such as leaves, bark, or straw. It is safe for both humans and the environment, making it a popular choice for gardeners who are looking for sustainable options. Organic mulch also helps improve soil quality by adding nutrients and protecting the roots of your plants.

When selecting organic mulch for your rose bed, be sure to choose materials that are free of chemicals or other pollutants. Additionally, you should avoid using fresh grass clippings, as they can contain high levels of nitrogen that can burn your plants.

Apply a layer of organic mulch around your rose bushes to help improve the soil’s health and protect your plants’ roots. Be sure to replenish the mulch regularly as it breaks down over time. Leave the old decomposed mulch in place and place a new layer of hardwood mulch on top every year or two.

Jobes organic plant food spikes

Important nutrients for rose plants

Roses are heavy feeders and require a variety of nutrients to maintain their health and vigor. The three most important nutrients for roses are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth and helps produce lush, green foliage. However, too much nitrogen can cause rose plants to produce excessive foliage at the expense of flowers. Organic materials such as alfalfa meal, coffee grounds, and grass clippings are typically high in nitrogen.

Phosphorus is important for root growth and helps produce strong, healthy stems. It also encourages flowering and can increase the number of blooms a rose bush produces. Organic products like bone meal and rock phosphate are typically used in packaged products to add phosphorus.

Potassium is essential for overall plant health and helps roses resist disease and pests. It also helps produce strong stems and abundant flowers. Popular natural sources of potassium include langbeinite and greensand.

When selecting a fertilizer for your rose plants, be sure to choose one that contains a balance of all three of these essential nutrients. Additionally, you should avoid using a fertilizer with a high nitrogen content late in the season, as this can cause problems such as leaf burn or simply growing too much foliage at the expense of flowers.

Soil test - duford - perennial flower bed
A soil test sent to the lab can help you identify if your soil is lacking in any key nutrients.

How to fertilize roses

Fertilizing new rose plants is an important step in helping them establish strong roots and grow into healthy, thriving bushes. You can use a few different methods when fertilizing new rose plants, including foliar feeding, root feeding, or top dressing.

Foliar feeding involves spraying liquid fertilizer directly onto the leaves of your rose plants. This method can be helpful in getting new plants off to a strong start, as it can help them get the nutrients they need more quickly. However, there are also some drawbacks to using foliar feeding for newly planted roses. First, it can be difficult to distribute the fertilizer evenly, which can lead to problems such as leaf burn. Additionally, foliar feeding can be more expensive than other methods of fertilizer application.

If you decide to use foliar feeding for new roses, you should be sure to follow the directions carefully and avoid spraying the leaves in direct sunlight, as this can lead to leaf burn.

Organic fertilizer vs. Epsom salts for roses
Opt for specially formulated rose fertilizer products instead of household remedies like epsom salts

Another option is root feeding, which involves placing granular fertilizer around the base of your rose plants. This method is less likely to cause problems such as leaf burn, but distributing the fertilizer evenly can be more difficult.

Top dressing is a third option for fertilizing newly planted roses. This method involves applying a layer of compost or other organic matter around the base of your rose plants. Top dressing is a more sustainable option than other methods, as it allows you to put nutrients back into your soil and add bulk organic matter.

When fertilizing newly planted roses, be sure to select a high-quality fertilizer that contains a balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Additionally, carefully follow all application instructions so that you don’t over- or under-fertilize your plants.

“Overfeeding with quick-release products isn’t good for garden roses.”

Everyday Roses: How to Grow Knock Out and Other Easy-Care Garden Roses, by Paul Zimmerman
Mary Jane Duford
Mary Jane Duford

Mary Jane Duford is a quintessential Canadian gardener. An engineer by trade, she tends to an ever-expanding collection of plants. In her world, laughter blooms as freely as her flowers, and every plant is raised with a dash of Canadian grit.

Mary Jane is a certified Master Gardener and also holds a Permaculture Design Certificate. She's also a proud mom of three, teaching her little sprouts the crucial difference between a garden friend and foe.

When she's not playing in the dirt, Mary Jane revels in her love for Taylor Swift, Gilmore Girls, ice hockey, and the surprisingly soothing sounds of bluegrass covers of classic hip-hop songs. She invites you to join her garden party, a place where you can share in the joy of growing and where every day is a new opportunity to find the perfect spot for yet another plant.

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