GROWING GUIDE - ROSES
Looking to grow beautiful, healthy roses in your garden? You've come to the right place! This comprehensive growing guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from planting to harvest.
QUICK FACTS
- Sun Requirements: Per Day (Morning Sun Is Best)
- Soil: Preparation:
- Height: Apart To Allow Good Air Circulation
ROSES PLANTING & CARE
Roses come in various forms, from climbing roses to miniature varieties, and typically bloom in early summer and fall. We supply bare-root roses in the spring while they are still dormant. Upon arrival, they may look like a bundle of sticks, this is normal.
BEFORE PLANTING:
Check moisture: Ensure the packing material is moist. Storage: Keep in a cool, dark place until ready to plant. Soak bare roots: Place in a bucket of water for at least 24 hours (up to 3–4 days) before planting.
SOIL PREPARATION:
pH Level: Roses prefer a pH of 5.5–7.0, with 6.5 being ideal. Adjust pH if needed: Acidic soil? Add finely ground limestone.
Alkaline soil? Add ground sulfur. Good drainage is crucial to prevent root rot.
PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:
Location: Choose a spot with at least 5–6 hours of full sun per day (morning sun is best). Dig a hole: Make it large enough for roots to spread out without cramming. If the rose is grafted, bury the graft 4–6 in. below soil level.
Fill the hole with water once before planting, then plant and firm the soil around the roots. Water thoroughly after planting.
SPACING:
Space roses two-thirds of their expected height apart to allow good air circulation. Old garden roses need more space, while miniature roses can be planted closer together.
WATERING & MAINTENANCE:
First year: Water generously 2–3 times per week for the first 6–8 weeks. Fertilize regularly to encourage strong growth and blooms. We suggest Grower’s Rose & Strawberry 10-52-17 (item #3256) Fall care: Before freeze-up, water deeply and mound extra soil or leaves over roses to trap snow and insulate.
Spring care: Remove winter covering as temperatures warm up.
PRUNING GUIDELINES:
Do NOT prune in fall. Each spring, prune out deadwood and inward-growing branches. Trim back 1/3 to 1/2 of the plant to healthy green stems.
Shrub roses (grown on their own roots) do not require sucker pruning. Climbing roses: Provide support and train branches as needed.
READY TO START GROWING?
Browse our selection of high-quality roses and get everything you need to start your garden today!
Shop now at T&T Seeds for the best selection of plants, seeds, and gardening supplies.
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