Is it better to order seeds of roses to plant than buying roses?

Agnes Palu
by Agnes Palu

Hi, I'm Agnes and I planning to make a rose garden and another one but I forgot the name now. Is it safer to order seeds and plant them or just buy the rose and the other one as well.

  3 answers
  • Jod Jod on May 23, 2019

    Roses grow from root stalk, not seed. You can start a new rose from a rooted piece of a healthy plant but it is a lengthy and laborious project that needs to be done in very controlled conditions. Buy the established plants from a reputable source.

  • Darlene Williman Darlene Williman on May 23, 2019

    Jod is correct. Roses aren't grown from seeds. They have seeds but take a long time to grow. Depending on where you are, your soil and the type of rose depends on whether you'll have luck starting a rose from a cutting or not. Up in New York State I would cut a length of healthy rose branch, remove the leaves and lay horizontally in a small ditch in the ground. Water lightly and new plants would come up where the leaves had been. Here in Virginia I don't have the same results. I have taken a ice cream bucket cut slits in the bottom and lower part of the bucket then put in stones and dirt to 3/4 of the way up. Cut off new growth suckers from the roses, cover the ends with root tone and then poked holes in dirt with my finger then place the cuttings in the holes and carefully put the dirt back around the cuttings. Water and place in a place where they get light but not direct sun. The cuttings will die back but be patient and you should get new plants. I have had about 1/2 percent success with this method here so be sure to cut lots of cuttings.

    Otherwise just buy the plants.

  • Just but plants from a reputable source. That being said, I spent a bloody fortune for 2 of my roses. I picked up a cheapie Home Depot special for I think $5.99 for a 1 gallon bush. That cheapie rose bush grows bigger, taller and stronger than the carefully curated specimens. They are all in the same bed and get exactly the same treatment. If you want a current photo, let me know.