Feeding your roses twice a year will encourage strong, healthy growth and abundant flowering. It’s a relatively quick and simple task, yet is one of the most beneficial jobs you can do to ensure that your roses are at their most healthy and floriferous when summer arrives.
WHY FEED YOUR ROSE
Feeding provides your rose with key nutrients to keep it healthy, allowing it to produce better blooms and resist pests and diseases.
There are two types of rose food - granular and foliar. Granular feeds are easy to apply as they are simply sprinkled over the soil. They slowly release nutrients over time which the rose absorbs through its roots. We recommend our own specially formulated David Austin Rose Food.
WHEN TO FEED ROSES
1st Feed
At the beginning of the growing season, just before the leaves are fully open. Follow immediately with mulching.
2nd Feed*
After the first bloom cycle has finished, to encourage repeat-flowering.
Note: *Once flowering roses only require one feed per season, the first feed.
You will need
DAVID AUSTIN ROSE FOOD HAND FORK GLOVES
How TO FEED ROSES
Step 1: Clear the ground under your rose
Firstly, ensuring you are wearing your gloves, use your hand fork to remove weeds, old leaves and other debris from the base of your rose.
Step 2: Sprinkle rose food around the base of the rose
Sprinkle approximately 1oz of David Austin Rose Food around the base of your rose. Spread the food evenly around the base of the rose, to the width of the canopy.
For shrub roses apply 1oz per rose.
For climbing roses apply 2oz per rose.
GARDENER'S TIP: Do not be tempted to over-feed – this will, in fact, do more harm than good.
Step 3: Mix the rose food into the soil
Gently mix the rose food gently into the surrounding soil using your hand fork.
Step 4: Water your rose
If the ground is dry, water your rose.
Follow with mulching.
It is important to follow the feeding of your rose with mulching. Watch our Head Gardener Steve as he gives you all of the tips you need to successfully mulch your roses.
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As a seasoned horticulturist with a wealth of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of rose care, I can confidently attest to the importance of proper feeding in fostering robust and flourishing roses. Over the years, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative effects of strategic feeding on the health, vitality, and blooming potential of roses.
Feeding your roses twice a year is a fundamental practice that pays dividends in terms of strong growth and abundant flowering. The benefits extend beyond mere aesthetics, encompassing the overall resilience of the rose plant against pests and diseases. This simple yet crucial task involves the application of specific rose food, with granular and foliar options being the two primary categories.
Granular feeds, such as the recommended David Austin Rose Food, are convenient and effective. They are applied by sprinkling them over the soil, where they gradually release essential nutrients that the rose absorbs through its roots. This ensures a sustained and balanced nutrient supply, promoting optimal health and performance.
Understanding the timing for feeding is equally vital. The first feed is administered at the onset of the growing season, just before the leaves fully open. This initial feeding is complemented by mulching, a practice that further enhances soil health and moisture retention. The second feed is applied after the first bloom cycle, encouraging repeat-flowering and sustaining the rose's vitality.
Now, let's delve into the step-by-step process of how to feed your roses:
How to Feed Roses
1. Clear the Ground:
- Begin by wearing gloves and using a hand fork to remove weeds, old leaves, and debris from the base of your rose.
2. Sprinkle Rose Food:
- Apply approximately 1oz of David Austin Rose Food around the base of the rose. Adjust the quantity based on the type of rose—1oz for shrub roses and 2oz for climbing roses.
3. Mix the Rose Food:
- Gently mix the rose food into the surrounding soil using your hand fork. Avoid over-feeding, as this can have adverse effects.
4. Water Your Rose:
- If the ground is dry, water your rose. Follow up with mulching, a crucial step for moisture retention, weed suppression, and nutrient enrichment.
By adhering to these guidelines, you not only nurture the immediate well-being of your roses but also contribute to their long-term health and resilience. The art of rose care is a fulfilling journey, and proper feeding stands as a cornerstone in achieving the vibrant and blooming garden you desire.
