The Best Way to Feed Roses Organically & Naturally

Most roses bloom all season long and that takes quite a bit of energy to do. Not only do roses benefit from feeding, but also from pruning too.

I got a question from a reader in response to a comment I had made stating that I believed in amending and  building up the soil with things like compost, worm compost, manure, etc more than I did in fertilizing.

It’s not that I don’t believe in fertilizers, I just don’t believe in them for all plants. The exception to this is citrus, rhododendrons, azaleas,  camellias, and roses. I found that these plants all benefited from a 1 time or ongoing dose of fertilizer.

Roses love feeding and ones that are fed on a regular basis are healthier. Healthy roses grow stronger which helps them rebound from pest infestations and better resist diseases and viruses. And that means better-looking plants and flowers.

This method of feeding is good for roses growing in the garden or in pots. It also works great for annuals and perennials.

DIY RECIPE FOR FEEDING ROSES

My DIY recipe to feed roses is very simple:

• 1 part  Rose & Flower Fertilizer. I alternated on using  this fertilizer too. (note – I now live in the Sonoran Desert & only grow 1 rose in a container).
• 1 part  Alfalfa Meal
• 1/2 part Composted Chicken Manure or  Worm Castings

How much of this recipe you mix up depends on the size of the roses you’re planting or the established ones you’re feeding. Just follow the recommended amount on the rose and flower food box.  

You can use this food for roses growing in the garden or in containers.

Be sure to work the fertilizer in. It needs to reach the roots.

This blend activates and continues to do so with water. Be sure to soak it in well after planting or applying.

The brand I favored of the organic fertilizers was Dr. Earth followed by Down To Earth.

I also used E.B. Stone and Gardener & Bloome. Fox Farm Happy Frog is a great brand too but it was harder to find. The internet has changed all that and like everything else, you can order from the comfort of your back patio.

By the way, organic fertilizers take longer to work but because they break down slower, they’re effective for a much longer period of time.

Simply dig a well about 4-6″ deep around the base of the rose in between the trunk and the drip line. Roses don’t have an extensive root system so don’t go out too far.

Use approximately 1 to 2 cups for a large bush, 1 to 1 1/2 cups for a medium bush, and 1/2 to 1 cup for smaller bushes. The box of rose and flower fertilizer will give you the guidelines as to how much to use.

Because I had large quantities of roses to feed, mixing it up in bulk in a large pail was the easy way to go. If you mix up too much, don’t worry because it keeps. Just cover it up and save until the next feeding.

Cover the well back up and be sure to water the blend in well. 

Never fertilize a dry rose plant. If it’s dry, then it’s stressed. Be sure to water first and wait until the water absorbs (a few hours or overnight). Then, you can feed.

Your roses will greatly benefit from 2 or 4 feedings a year.

In coastal California, I would do a feeding in March, another in May, the 3rd in July, and finally 1 at 1/2 strength in early September. This schedule worked for roses that bloomed throughout the season.

If you’re in a colder climate, start after danger of frost has passed and wrap it up about 6 – 8 weeks before the 1st frost. New growth is soft and tender making it susceptible to freeze damage.

How often you feed also depends on how often the rose flowers (some flower only in spring and only need 2 applications) and how fertile your soil is. 

Do this feeding, and your roses will love you. Just think of all the vases of beautiful blooms you’ll have!

Happy Gardening,

Nell