Q. I’d like to continue fertilizing my rose bushes right
through the spring since the past year’s bloom was not too impressive. Is there
any advantage or harm with that strategy?
through the spring since the past year’s bloom was not too impressive. Is there
any advantage or harm with that strategy?
A. High quality roses are typically fertilized about
every 6 to 8 weeks through the winter, spring and early summer in our climate.
Fertilizer applications are usually stopped during the summer months when
flowering is the worst and resumes about a week before good flowering resumes.
every 6 to 8 weeks through the winter, spring and early summer in our climate.
Fertilizer applications are usually stopped during the summer months when
flowering is the worst and resumes about a week before good flowering resumes.
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| SulPoMag conttains magnesium and can be substituted for epsom salts |
Fertilizer applications are made
to support healthy, vigorous growth and flower production. The timing of these
applications varies with the type of rose and variety as well as the
microclimate.
to support healthy, vigorous growth and flower production. The timing of these
applications varies with the type of rose and variety as well as the
microclimate.
Generally speaking, roses
perform very well in our climate for about 8 to 9 months of the year.
Microclimates that are warm and protected in the winter may support the
flowering of roses through the entire winter. In these microclimates you would
fertilize all winter long.
perform very well in our climate for about 8 to 9 months of the year.
Microclimates that are warm and protected in the winter may support the
flowering of roses through the entire winter. In these microclimates you would
fertilize all winter long.
In cooler microclimates you may
see an interruption in flowering during the winter but have a longer flowering
period in spring and fall. Fertilizer applications would support roses during their
flowering periods.
see an interruption in flowering during the winter but have a longer flowering
period in spring and fall. Fertilizer applications would support roses during their
flowering periods.
If you are fertilizing roses more
often, then use smaller amounts of fertilizer or use fertilizers that release
nitrogen more slowly. Make sure that your roses receive an annual application
of iron that is applied just prior to new growth.
often, then use smaller amounts of fertilizer or use fertilizers that release
nitrogen more slowly. Make sure that your roses receive an annual application
of iron that is applied just prior to new growth.
Many rosarians like to apply
Epsom salts as part of their fertilizer regime for the magnesium contained in
it. Other fertilizers like SulPoMag and some palm fertilizers also contain
magnesium and may be an appropriate substitute.
Epsom salts as part of their fertilizer regime for the magnesium contained in
it. Other fertilizers like SulPoMag and some palm fertilizers also contain
magnesium and may be an appropriate substitute.