Rose Tips by Al Karsten
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Rose Tips
April 2002
The year 2002 will be known as "Year of the Rose". You will be reading from various publications promoting the rose this year. Consulting Rosarians will provide rose horticulture education at several of the home supply stores in the Greater Kansas City area. Please watch your newspaper in April/May for further details and places the seminars will be held.
After April 15th we can start removing our winter mulch on the roses and with anticipation, hopefully, all your roses have survived after a very dry fall and mostly dry winter. Perhaps we will have sufficient moisture before we start uncovering the roses.
Due to our mild winter I recommend pruning roses back after April 15th to 24" from the soil. I have experienced not pruning roses after a mild winter - and regretted it. The rose bushes will be very tall by mid-May and with the spring winds and rain they will not be strong enough to stand upright on their own. They will be leaning over which does not produce beautiful roses or make for an attractive rose bed.
Start your spring pruning when the soil is dry. Cut all dead canes back to the soil line and cut back all new growth to 24 " high. If you have not had your soil pH analyzed in the last three years - do it.
You need to continue the application of fertilizer recommended from your soil test. If you have not had the opportunity to get a soil test through Johnson County K-State Research and Extension (913-764-6300) or a local nursery, use the 13-13-13 granular fertilizer. Dig a shallow trench around each rose bush and apply an 8 oz cup of the granular fertilizer to each rose bush. Water in thoroughly. Cover over the trench. Be aware of any diseased leaves in the rose bed or on the rose bush. Keep rose beds weed free. Diseased leaves will defoliate the rose bush.
Most rose gardeners have a regular fertilizing schedule which helps to prevent blackspot, mildew and when the weather is warmer, prevents "bad" insects. A weekly application in the spring with Funginex alternating once a month with Daconil 2787. Alternating the two prevents building up an immunity with using only one type of spray week after week. This applies only for the blackspot and mildew application. Once you see aphids, etc... use an insecticide weekly. Funginex and insecticide can be combined in your weekly spray program.
If you are planting new roses - select the planting sight to be in full sun if possible. At least six hours daily. Do not plant too close to trees or shrubs. Roses cannot compete with tree roots for food and water. All roses need PLENTY of water. However, roses do not like "wet feet" - or to stand in water.
There are many types of organic materials to use as mulch. Bark chips, cocoa hulls, grass clippings (after they are dry). Mulching is not required but it is recommended because it cools the ground, conserves water, holds down the weeds and enriches the soil. For best results, mulch should be 2" to 3" thick.
If you follow the directions, you should have blooms and be the envy of your neighbors in May or June.
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