Proper fertilization is essential for healthy rose growth and a season of abundant, beautiful blooms. This guide shares the different ways to feed your garden roses.
You can never go wrong adding compost, leaf mold, and other organic matter to your soil to help give your roses a great base of nutrients and assist with drainage.
Testing the SoilBefore applying any fertilizer, it’s always a great idea to get a soil test that can reveal your soil’s nutrient content and any deficiencies. Your soil pH can affect the nutrient absorption for your roses. And as such, it should be between 6.0-7.0.
There are three main types to consider for your garden roses. I recommend only using organic because it is better for the environment.
Slow-Release Granular FertilizersSlow-release fertilizers are convenient to use while providing a steady, consistent release of nutrients throughout the growing season.
Water-Soluble FertilizersThese fast-acting fertilizers deliver a quick boost of nutrients directly to the roots and are best applied during periods of active growth, following the instructions on the package for dilution and application frequency.
Organic FertilizersOrganic fertilizers nurture your roses while improving your soil’s overall health and fertility more gently. Common organic fertilizers include aged compost, manure tea, and composted cottonseed meal.
Follow along to learn more about fertilizing your garden roses.