When and How
By: Jill Barnard, American Rose SocietyWHEN
Fertile established rose bushes immediately after pruning by incorporating organic amendments into the soil.A.R.S. basic recipe, per bush:
·1 cup bone meal or superphosphate (0-20-0)
·1 cup cottonseed meal
·1/2 cup blood meal
·1/2 cup fish meal
·1/2 cup epsom salts (magnesium sulphate)
Water thoroughly first, then spread the ingredients evenly around the bush, under the drip-line (outer perimeter) of the bush. Scratch lightly into the top 1-2″ of soil and water well again. In warm climates with long growing seasons (January-February pruning and blooms through November-December), a second application is beneficial in early September for fall bloom cycles. About two to three weeks after spring pruning and adding organic amendments, new growth will appear. Chemical fertilizers, whether liquid or dry, can be applied at this time, and will provide an instant food source for this heavy feeding period. How often to apply is a subjective decision, based on the amount of time and devotion you have, but once a month should be the minimum.
HOW Often
How often you fertilize your roses is determined by your rose growing style. Are you a Casual Rose Grower, a Dedicated Rose Grower, or an Exhibitor? Read the American Rose Society’s full article for the details.
Read Article here: http://www.ars.org/pdfs/fertilizer_when_how.pdf