Getting Roses off to a Great Start

Now that your roses are budding and ready to reward you with their glorious blooms, it is time to get a care plan in place to sustain them all season.

Insects

With the warmer, sunny days also come insects, keep an eye on new growth and watch for infestations of aphids, these insects are usually light green in color and cluster on new growth and buds. They can be hosed off with a strong jet of water which renders them unable to feed or spray with Bonide All Seasons Oil which will smother them. Follow up in a week or two with a release of live Ladybugs, they are voracious feeders and will devour any new hatchlings.

Fungus Diseases

Powdery Mildew is a dusty looking white powder spread across leaves and stems. Rust will cause yellowing leaves and orange pustules that rub off easily on the undersides of leaves. Blackspot will also cause yellowing with black spots on leaves that fall off easily. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is best to act quickly with fungicide sprays like Bonide Copper Fungicide or Neem Oil. Also, clean up any leaf litter from around the plant and remove infected leaves from the plant.

With a little bit of loving care, you’re on your way to a rich reward of blooms all season.

Fertilizing

Fertilizing will get your roses thriving for a sustained blooming period.

How you water – sprinkler vs. drip vs. hand/hose will determine what type of fertilizer you use. If you have a drip irrigation system on your roses, you will need to use a liquid or water soluble fertilizer like Maxsea 16-16-16 or Master Nursery Liquid Gold 15-6-3. Both of these are concentrates that are diluted with water and watered in. Always remember to water your plants the day before fertilizing.

If you have a sprinkler system or hand water you can use granular products like E.B. Stone Organic Rose & Flower Food 5-6-3 or Master Nursery Rose and Flower Food 5-10-5, again remember to always water the day before and water your fertilizer in well.