Roses require heavy nutrition and thrive when they are given the right fertilizer. Although most roses have the same requirements regarding the type of fertilizer and the applications required, some roses can differ depending on the conditions, such as variety, hardiness and climatic conditions.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: General Fertilization
Choosing the Right Fertilizers
Step 1. Know what fertilizers contain
Fertilizer formulas are measured by the amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium they contain. These quantities are labeled numerically, according to the proportion. For example, a 10-20-5 fertilizer is made with 10% nitrogen, 20% phosphorus, and 5% potassium.
- Nitrogen promotes foliage growth out of the ground.
- Phosphorus strengthens both the roots and the flowers.
- Potassium contributes to the overall health of plants and acts as the immune defenses for humans.
- Fertilizers also contain other nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, sulfur, boron, copper, iron, manganese, and zinc. The amounts of these nutrients vary from fertilizer to fertilizer, but are relatively small compared to nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
Step 2. Look for a fertilizer specially formulated for roses
The easiest way to get the substances your roses need is to purchase a commercially available inorganic fertilizer specifically for roses. These fertilizers carry detailed instructions on the label for proper application.
Step 3. Purchase an all-purpose balanced fertilizer
Those that contain equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are generally effective for most plants, and roses are no exception. By applying a balanced fertilizer, it is possible to ensure that the roots, flowers, leaves and the plant in general get proper nutrition.
Step 4. Try a high phosphorus fertilizer for new roses
Young roses have not yet had the opportunity to set up a root system. Since phosphorus is used to strengthen the roots, it is especially valuable for new roses.
Step 5. Choose an organic fertilizer
Organic fertilizers are free of chemicals and are preferred by many gardeners. These offer a lower dosage of nutrients, but the lower dosage can be useful when you have yet to understand the needs of your roses. Furthermore, organic fertilizers also affect the soil for future use. You can opt for a single organic fertilizer, or you can mix a few different types.
- Ground alfalfa is a slow release fertilizer and, when used in a 2-7-0 formula, provides ample amounts of phosphorus.
- Bone meal supplies roses with phosphorus quickly to promote roots and increase flowering.
- Cottonseed meal, fish meal and blood meal provide high doses of nitrogen for complete foliage growth.
- Epsom salt does not contain nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium, but it does contain magnesium sulfate, which makes a good additive to use with another fertilizer.
Step 6. Try a liquid fertilizer for new roses
Liquid fertilizers are absorbed more quickly, and become the best solution for plants that are newly developing. Additionally, roses suffering from nutrient deficiencies may benefit more from fast-acting liquid fertilizers than slow-release granular ones.
Apply Fertilizers
Step 1. Start feeding your roses in the spring
A granular or organic fertilizer usually works better for this feed than a liquid one. Treatment should usually start around mid-April, but as soon as the plant has developed 10-15 cm of new growth, you should feed it, even if the season is still a bit premature.
Step 2. Water the roses before applying fertilizer
This is especially important for water-soluble fertilizers, which require water to become active, but this is also good practice for fertilizers that are not water-soluble. Irrigating the soil prevents the fertilizer from burning the soil or plant.
Step 3. Add fertilizer directly to the base of the roses
If you apply it on the leaves you can burn them. Likewise, if fertilizer is found on the rose petals it causes wilt. The nutrients in the fertilizer are most effective when they are absorbed through the roots. This is especially true of organic fertilizers, which have the advantage of improving the soil.
Step 4. Do not fertilize when the roses are stressed
If they are going through a drought or are exposed to extreme conditions, under the scorching heat, they risk burning if you add fertilizer. Roses that are in extremely dry environments should not be fertilized until humidity levels improve. Even healthy roses should only be fed in the early morning or evening and not when the mid-afternoon heat is excessive.
Step 5. Feed the roses every 4-6 weeks during the growing season
Do not use slow-release granular fertilizer in the summer. Instead, apply a faster-acting fertilizer, such as a liquid inorganic fertilizer or organic fertilizer. If you use an organic fertilizer, you can increase the dosage every three to four weeks. However, many inorganic fertilizers are most effective when applied every six weeks.
Step 6. Fertilize the roses in pots more often
Roses grown in pots and other containers are usually watered more often than garden roses. As a result, fertilizers are diluted more frequently, especially granular ones. For best results with potted roses, you should apply a water-soluble liquid fertilizer every four weeks.
Step 7. Check the roses for signs of distress
Roses let you know when they are suffering from a nutritional imbalance. For example, in iron-deficient roses due to a lack of chlorophyll, the leaves turn yellow. Manganese-deficient roses also have pale leaves. If you see that the leaves, flowers, or the whole plant in general is suffering, it could be traced to a problem with the fertilizer.
Step 8. Stop applying fertilizer after mid-August
Fertilizers produce delicate new growth, which could be damaged by frost. You should finish the fertilizing regimen about eight weeks before the first expected frost date in your region to allow your plant to become more hardy.
Method 2 of 2: General Super Flowering Program
Step 1. Adjust the pH of the soil by applying lime or sulfur as needed (at the end of the growing season)
Step 2. Use NPK- 10-15 10 granular fertilizer:
1, 3 kg per 9, 2 sq m of land. Sprinkle it evenly and water deeply once a month.
Step 3. Compost 0.9kg per 0.09m2 each season
Step 4. Use a soluble fertilizer (for example, all-purpose Miracle Gro)
Choose one that contains trace elements. Add a tablespoon for 4 liters per bush every month.
Step 5. Apply a mix of essential trace elements
Follow the instructions on the package.
Step 6. Try an organic liquid nutrient such as fish emulsion or a marine mix (seaweed and fish)
Add it once or twice each growing season.
