Q. In previous years I started fertilizing our roses in March. They
performed poorly last year so I want to feed them earlier. Is it ok to start
now, and if so is there any special formula or nutrients required for the first
feeding?
A. March is okay but it would be nicer if you applied fertilizer a bit
earlier, say in late January or early February. Roses perform better in soils
enriched with compost, applied fertilizers high in phosphorus and iron and wood
mulch several inches deep.
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| To get award winning roses follow advice from Rosarians |
Rosarians who
want high quality roses fertilize multiple times during the year. The first
fertilizer application (light) is at bud break in the spring, a second one when
the flower buds have developed and not yet opened and a final one in the fall
from late August through September. A number of them like fish emulsion and
Epsom salts as additional feedings through the summer months when roses go into
a kind of high temperature dormancy.
want high quality roses fertilize multiple times during the year. The first
fertilizer application (light) is at bud break in the spring, a second one when
the flower buds have developed and not yet opened and a final one in the fall
from late August through September. A number of them like fish emulsion and
Epsom salts as additional feedings through the summer months when roses go into
a kind of high temperature dormancy.
Use a good quality
rose fertilizer such as Peters or Miracle Gro plus an application of iron
chelate, preferably EDDHA, applied to the soil. If you are applying iron to the
foliage you will have to wait until they fully leaf out in about March. Foliar
sprays use a spreader or liquid detergent added to the spray solution at the
very end of the mixing.
rose fertilizer such as Peters or Miracle Gro plus an application of iron
chelate, preferably EDDHA, applied to the soil. If you are applying iron to the
foliage you will have to wait until they fully leaf out in about March. Foliar
sprays use a spreader or liquid detergent added to the spray solution at the
very end of the mixing.