All About Fertilizing

Fertilizing is a complicated subject: how often, what kind, how much, etc... so we've decided to break this one down into a Q&A format.

Do I have to fertilize my roses every month?

Many say roses are "heavy feeders", which is true, and it depends on which fertilizers you use. If you build a healthy soil with plenty of organic matter and protect its integrity by avoiding synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, you don't necessarily have to feed your roses every month.

Examples of roses that didn't need a strict fertilizing regimen to thrive:

• Earth-Kinds® have gone through A&M trials that prove they do just fine with an initial compost application when planted with no further application in the years following.
• Found Roses were introduced into commerce after Rose Rustlers found them growing on roadsides, abandoned houses, or left alone in cemeteries. These roses withstood the test of time and were essentially neglected, yet they still prevailed.
• Species or Rugosa roses have been around for ages or have close ancestors that have been around for ages without the help of human beings.

All this to say that, while consistent fertilizing may not be completely necessary, the right kind of fertilizing at the right time can overall improve what you get out of your roses.

Please note: Always follow package instructions. While you may not always need to apply monthly even if the package instructs you to, never exceed the application amount & frequency.

Organic or synthetic fertilizers?

Synthetic fertilizers actually deplete your soil's health over time, as they make it harder and harder for the soil to produce its own nutritional content; therefore, halting the nutrient cycling altogether and making the soil dependent on synthetic fillers. While they work well for instant gratification, especially at first, they are not advantageous to your rose's immune system and life expectancy. Whether your fertilizer of choice is rose-specific or intended for any use within the garden, always aim for organic applications.

What is N-P-K, what does it mean, and how do I look for it?

N-P-K means Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium.

While there are many macro-and-micronutrients that determine a plant's health, N-P-K are essential, and the customizable symbol is used on many fertilizer products to display the goals of that particular product. The N-P-K "ratio" is simply the amount of each nutrient in relation to the others, as the different combinations of amounts will have different results. 

While the purposes of these nutrients are complex and diverse, here's a simple breakdown for an efficient outlook on how to read fertilizers:

Nitrogen (N-P-K) is for above-ground plant growth. These are your new canes, shoots, and leaves. Sufficient nitrogen in the soil means healthy, green growth. Example of a ratio that targets nitrogen: 5-1-1.

Phosphorus (N-P-K) is for bloom and fruit production. Sufficient phosphorus in the soil means an appropriate amount of bud production during the growing seasons. Example of a ratio that targets phosphorus: 3-8-3.

Potassium (N-P-K) is for root development. While not the part of the rose we can see, it's important not to overlook root health. Sufficient potassium in the soil means strong, growing roots that allow your rose to withstand a range of environmental stressors, even if severe. Example of a ratio that targets potassium: 0-0-4.

Bottles/containers of fertilizer will usually have the N-P-K ratio front and center, likely not far from the name of the product. While most nutritional plant amendments contain an N-P-K indicator, not all do! Some products, such as MicroLife MicroGro Liquid AF, do not provide an N-P-K ratio because, rather than focusing on macronutrients, they focus on adding essential microbes to the soil that boost a plant's immunity.

See more on how to choose the right fertilizer for you here.

I want a fertilizing schedule- what should that look like?

We like to encourage our customers to fertilize at least once a season.

Late Winter/Early Spring: Getting Your Roses Ready for Their Big Spring Flush

This is when we encourage your largest N-P-K boost of the year, for example, Rose and Garden Food, MicroLife Acidifier, or Ultimate. These tend to have a higher N (Nitrogen) ratio, which will put on a lot of new, healthy growth as your roses break dormancy.

While optional, you could always give your roses another fertilizer boost midway through the season.

Late Spring/Early Summer: Your Summer Saver

Depending on your climate, your "Summer Saver" could mean:

• (For warmer climates): You may need a lifeline for your rose's health, especially if you're having an extra hot and dry year when your roses are on the verge of frying.
  • We recommend an immune boost like MicroLife Ocean Harvest. Anything gentle and packed with nutrients. Apply either very early in the mornings or late in the evenings.
  • See here on Protecting Roses in the Heat.
• (For colder climates): Your summers are likely moderate enough ( below 90 degrees) to continue to get beautiful blooms, so you want to encourage them to keep going!
  • We recommend a fertilizer with a higher P (Phosphorus) ratio, such as Microlife Maximum Blooms.

Since these tend to be gentler applications, these are great to apply once monthly.

Late Summer-Fall: Fall/Winter Prep

Depending on your climate, your fall prep could be:

• (For warmer climates): Taking advantage of the cooler weather after having such hot summer temperatures, and encouraging a fall blooming season. Your fertilizer of choice largely depends on what your roses need at this point.
  • If your roses are struggling out of a difficult summer, apply the same fertilizer you applied in early spring that had a full N-P-K boost around Labor Day.
  • If your roses are immediately showing signs of happiness with cooler weather, you can jump straight to the MicroLife Maximum Blooms.
    
  • See how to Prepare Your Roses for Fall in Warm Climates here.
• (For colder climates): Winding your roses down to prepare for freezing winter temperatures, which means you may want to avoid fertilizing.
  

Either way, be sure to check when your first expected frost is for your area, and avoid pruning and fertilizing within the 6 weeks before it. However, we do recommend MicroLife Super Seaweed as a root-booster before dormancy.

See more on Winter Care & Protection for Roses here.

Do I have options other than fertilizing?

Yes! There are several combinations of methods you can choose from to feed your roses, if you choose to do so at all! There's not necessarily a right or wrong way- it's all dependent on the individual gardener's climate, existing soil health, garden goals, financial resources, physical ability, and dedication of time. 

While it's great to apply soil amendments such as compost (whether store-bought or homemade), fish emulsion, humates, and/or worm castings throughout the year in tandem with a fertilizing regimen, you can bypass fertilizers and stick to prioritizing soil health with these amendments. Always be sure to observe your rose's behavior and symptoms throughout the year so that it doesn't go long lacking an essential nutrient.

If there's anything we don't recommend skipping, it's mulching! Find out more about why and what to mulch with here.

Conclusion

We hope that with this guide, you will feel more comfortable about fertilizing your roses.

If you have any other questions regarding more details on rose information, please see our other blogs or reach out to us at gardenquestions@weareroses.com.