Roses are far less demanding when it comes to fertilizer than many gardeners think. We'll explain when and with what they should be fertilized.
Proper care of roses also includes fertilizing. Even if the noble roses are quite undemanding, it is important that you administer the individual fertilizer doses correctly year after year so that the flowers can bloom in full splendor. If you fertilize roses incorrectly, it can happen that they do not grow properly and their blooms are not very lush either.
When should you fertilize roses?
1. Fertilization in spring:
You should regularly provide roses with well-rotted compost in early spring, so that they can be carefully awakened from their hibernation.
Hint:
You should always add compost when planting, as this makes it much easier for them to grow.
2. Fertilization from mid/end of May:As soon as the rose forms the first buds, which open easily (usually from the middle/end of May), you can administer the first complete fertilizer. But never earlier, as that would significantly weaken their blooms! Ideally, you should use a liquid fertilizer with this complete fertilizer application. Then apply it immediately after a downpour, because then the soil is optimally receptive to the applied fertilizers.
3. Fertilization at the end of July/beginning of August:
You can then apply another mineral fertilization at the end of July/beginning of August before you end the season in late autumn by piling up and covering the individual rose bushes (hibernation).
Hint:
You don't have to fertilize a third time for roses that you have planted in very nutrient-rich soil that is well supplied with compost. Alternatively, you can also incorporate a little coffee grounds around the rose bush.
It is different if the roses have been exposed to a lot of downpours in one season, because this allows fertilizer to quickly seep into the ground. Then you have to fertilize again even three times.
What should you fertilize roses with?
Three types of fertilizer are absolutely essential for roses - compost, complete fertilizer and mineral fertilizer, although special rose fertilizers are now available in specialist shops for the latter.
➤ Compost:
If you don't have your own,Alternatively, if you have well-rotted compost, you can also add horn shavings, animal manure, or a little peat to the soil. You should always work all fertilizers well into the soil.
➤ Complete fertilizer:
Furthermore, the rose needs a complete fertiliser, which is best given in the form of a liquid fertiliser. It is best to use a special rose fertilizer. You really can't go wrong with this, because the bottles always describe exactly how to use this fertilizer correctly.
➤ Mineral Fertilizer:
To top it off, roses also need a mineral fertilizer dose, which you should choose based on the soil conditions in your area.
Important: Do not over-fertilize roses
You must never over-fertilize your roses, as this damages their vitality. For example, if you have planted the individual roses in extremely nutrient-rich soil, working in compost once a year is sometimes sufficient.