How to Plant Roses
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1Water your plants frequently for the first 3 to 4 weeks after planting your roses.Usually this is when the top 2 inches (5.1 cm) of soil is dry. To stay healthy your roses need a lot of hydration and food.[8]
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2Continue to soak the bed. Four weeks after planting, you should start soaking the bed every 2 weeks or so. Do this in the morning for the best results.
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3Start to fertilize about 3 months after planting. Use 3–6 inches (7.6–15.2 cm) of mulch to control the moisture, temperature, and to stops weeds from popping up. Mulch also helps to lock in the vital nutrients your roses need in order to remain healthy. Read How to Grow Roses for more information on how to care for your roses after they've been planted.
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4Prune your roses. Pruning your roses will keep them from getting crowded and will make them grow healthy and strong. All you need is some pruning shears and a good eye for what you need to eliminate. You can cut off any rootstocks (suckers), which are new plants that grow from the roots of the old plant, as well as any remaining canes that are thinner than a pencil, which rub or cross each other, or which are just not fitting the desired shape you want for your roses.
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5Protect your roses against the cold. In the winter months, or just when it gets unseasonably cold, you may have to take action to keep your beautiful roses alive in the winter. You should cut back your rose plants to about 24 inches (61.0 cm) so they don't get harmed by ice and wind. Then, you should tie the canes together with twine to further protect the roses from winds.[9]
- Each rose plant should have a nice mound of fresh, loose compost or soil around its base.
- You can add another layer of hay or straw over the mound for further protection.
- When spring comes around, you can remove the added protection.
Tips
- Do not water the roses late in the day to help prevent fungal diseases.
- It is best to plant roses in the spring. Choose an area to plant that is well circulated with air. Your roses will not grow in an enclosed or tight area.
- Roses love water but can get many fungal and bacterial diseases, if they do not get enough sunlight in order to dry off their leaves and petals. Plant your roses in morning light and remember at least 6 hours of sunlight.
- Some rose growers recommend spraying the rose leaves with water to help prevent aphids.
- Some rose growers also use a soapy water mixture spray to help prevent aphids. Check with local gardeners for advice.
- You will find boxed and packaged roses are better to tackle earlier in the season. Potted roses are available when the weather becomes a little warmer and so better for later planting.
- Check with a local agricultural extension office to find a Master Gardener for assistance.
- Roses do well in the desert but they require deep watering.
- Master Gardener programs are usually available at local universities.