TLDR
- Good soil
- Type of Growth
- Types of Fertilizer
- Don’t fertilize newly purchased plants
You have probably heard that roses are heavy eaters. In order to get multiple healthy blooms from your roses, you have to make sure that they are well fed. There are multiple ways to make sure that your plants are well fed. The most important, in my opinion, is making sure that your soil is good enough for a rose plant. That means making sure that it drains well, retains enough moisture to keep the plant fed, and is between the PH 5.5-7.0. If you have issues with your soil, I highly recommend amending it so that your roses can efficiently take in the nutrients from any type of fertilizer you decided to provide.
Different Types of Fertilizer for Different Types of Growth
What is fertilizer? I’m not sure what it is made of, but I do know that it provides the essential nutrients of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Each one of these components has an impact on the type of growth you wish encourage with your plant. One saying I remember for this is, “Shoots (N), Roots (P), and Flowers (K).” More nitrogen encourages fast growth and is very helpful in bringing your rose back to life in early April.
The different types of rose fertilizers include granular fertilizers, which come in slow-release formulations for gradual nutrient release over time and organic options made from natural materials like compost or fish meal. Liquid fertilizers are available as water-soluble concentrates for quick absorption or foliar application directly on leaves. Specialized rose fertilizers are tailored to the specific nutrient needs of roses, with some containing bloom boosters for enhanced flowering. Time-release fertilizers, such as spikes or pellets, offer convenience by releasing nutrients slowly over an extended period. Organic fertilizers like compost, manure, and seaweed extracts improve soil health and provide long-lasting nourishment. Each type of fertilizer serves different purposes, from promoting overall growth and health to boosting flowering, and the choice depends on factors like soil conditions, plant growth stage, and gardening preferences.
We personally enjoy the liquid fertilizers. We use Alaska Fish Emulsion (5-1-1) every two weeks starting in early April to encourage the plants to grow their stems. Once we start to see the first early rose buds forming, I begin using Alaska MorBloom (0-10-10). This really gets the plant to start pumping energy towards creating strong flowers. Frankly, I think this has worked the best for us as we have both in-ground and container roses. The liquid allows us to cover a large area while also limiting the potential for salt build up in our container roses.
When To Not Fertilize
It is generally advised not to fertilize newly planted roses for several reasons. Newly planted roses need time to establish their root systems and adapt to their new environment. Fertilizing too soon can encourage rapid top growth at the expense of root development, potentially weakening the plant’s overall health. Additionally, excessive nutrients from fertilizer can lead to salt buildup in the soil, which can be harmful to sensitive young roots. Applying fertilizer too early may stimulate tender growth that is more susceptible to damage from pests, diseases, or environmental stressors. It’s best to allow newly planted roses to acclimate and establish themselves for a few weeks to months before introducing fertilizer, ensuring a stronger foundation for healthy growth and blooming in the long term.
Fertilizing roses in October can be troublesome due to the approaching winter season in many regions. October marks the transition to cooler temperatures and shorter daylight hours, signaling dormancy for many plants, including roses. Applying fertilizer during this period can stimulate new growth that is vulnerable to frost damage and other winter-related stressors. Further, the energy that the plant expends on new growth spurred by fertilizer may divert resources away from essential processes like root development and cold hardiness preparation. It’s generally recommended to refrain from fertilizing roses in October and instead focus on gradually reducing watering, removing spent blooms, and applying a layer of mulch to protect the plants during winter dormancy.