When to Fertilize Roses

    Now that Spring is knocking at the door and roses are starting to leaf out, it's the perfect time to fertilize. There are two options to fertilize roses; liquid or granular.

Liquid Fertilizer:
    Liquid fertilizer is quick and easy but will require applications more often. You can choose any general purpose fertilizer you use on the rest of you plants or you can bump it up a notch and use one formulated just for roses. Miracle Grow has one in each. Simply mix according to the directions and apply by pouring near the base of the rose bush.


Granular Fertilizer:
    Granular Fertilizer requires a different application method along with a little work but, in the long run it does last a lot longer and does not need to be applied very often. Most only require 1-2 applications a growing season.

When using granular fertilizer apply the correct amount according to the package. Again, this can also be a general purpose fertilizer or one formulated just for roses. Sprinkle the granules around the rose with in 1 foot of the base. DO NOT let the granules touch the base of the plant or else it will burn it. Finish it off by 'scratching' it in using a rake, pitch fork or other tool that will penetrate the soil. Cover the fertilizer with about an inch of soil and water in. Afterwards, when each time you water your roses or get blessed with a little rain, your roses get treated to some well deserved nutrients.

Keep in mind, you can use any general purpose fertilize of any brand. However roses will thrive better if you use NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium) ratios of about 1:2:1. When you chose a rose fertilizer they will most likely consist of this ratio. Again, you what ever you like but, if you are looking to beat the neighbors you will want to follow this ratio to insure they are getting the Phosphorous needed to produce strong, vibrant blooms!