Rose Doctor to the Rescue - February 2006
February is a busy time in the garden due to all the pruning of the roses and cleaning up of all the leaves that have fallen during the winds and rains we have had. If you have not pruned your roses yet you do need to do so, for then you will have blooms for Easter in your garden.
When I finish doing all the pruning and cleaning of the leaves from the ground and off the plant, I take dormant spray with Volck oil, as per the instructions on the label, and give the roses a good strong dose of spray, as well as the ground around the roses. I rest for a week, then spray once again, and then I put the alfalfa meal and magnesium sulfate on the roses. Using 1 cup of alfalfa meal and half a cup of magnesium sulfate per plant, I water this in and then I add my mulch on top and give it a good watering again.
Some of you have asked me, “What does the magnesium sulfate do for the roses?” Well, it is like giving a growth hormone to the roses and creates new basil breaks and nice new canes for larger flowers. And adding in the alfalfa meal gives the roses some well needed nitrogen to make healthy green leaves and also helps build strong roots.
Do not feed your roses for at least 4 to 5 weeks, depending on how much new growth you have. When you have 4 to 6 inches of new growth, then you can start on a good feeding program using organic or chemicals. I use organic fertilizers and then I also use an organic spray for fungus and insects. Before you feed, no matter what your choice is, make sure that your roses have been deep soaked about 6 hours before, This is important as watering early helps give the plant moisture to the foliage. After you give your roses the food, you need to give them all a drink once again to keep the fertilizers from burning the foliage or roots.
Don’t forget that growing roses is fun and you should be enjoying what you do. If you have any questions, please e-mail me at: originalsbydiana@juno.com. Happy Rose Growing!
Webmaster's Note: Diana is also a certified ARS Horticulture and Arrangement Judge.
