Fertilization
Balanced fertilization will keep a plant healthy and encourage it to bloom profusely. To avoid
burning the plant and for maximum efficiency, water the soil thoroughly before applying the
fertilizer and use the amounts recommended on the label.
- First year: If
the soil was well amended at planting time, no
fertilizer is necessary. Otherwise, fertilize once
after the first bloom cycle.
- Well-established roses: In May,
use a high-nitrogen formula (e.g.. 10-6-4) to promote
leaf and stem growth. In July, use a high-phosphorous
formula (e.g.. 10-20-10) to stimulate the formation of
new floral buds. Do not fertilize after July so as
not to encourage the growth of tender young canes
that might not survive the winter.
Synthetic fertilizers
Although they are fast-acting and rich in minerals, they do nothing to improve the soil structure
or biological activity.
- Granules:
Scratch granules into the first few centimetres of
soil around the plant, keeping them 20 cm away from
the graft union, then soak soil thoroughly with water.
- Soluble powder: Mix
with water and soak the soil or spray the leaves.
Rose fertilizers with magnesium are best, as they promote the growth of new canes at the base of the
plant. A handful of Epson salts (125 ml per rose bush) scratched into the soil will also provide the
plant with the necessary magnesium.
Natural fertilizers
They are slower acting and provide the minerals and organic material needed for good soil structure
and to encourage the growth of beneficial micro-organisms.
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