Under the Right Conditions, Roses Bloom Prolifically
Although some roses only bloom once a year, most of the modern hybrids are repeat bloomers, which means they bloom in waves through the summer. By creating the best-possible growing conditions, you can ensure more flowers.
- Grow roses in full sun (six to eight hours a day). Anything less and the rose will produce fewer blooms.
- Remove faded flowers. This prevents the formation of hips (or seedpods) and redirects the rose's energy into making more flowers.
- Be sure to water your roses regularly—especially if rainfall is insufficient. They need at least an inch a week. Avoid overhead watering, which wets the leaves. Use drip irrigation instead, and conserve moisture with a layer of mulch.
- Maintain a regular fertilization schedule. Roses are heavy feeders. You can fertilize with either liquid or granular fertilizers with an NPK (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium) ratio of about 5-8-5. In most cases, regular applications of compost, rotted manure, fish emulsion and seaweed extracts will provide roses with all the nutrients they need. Other organic amendments favored by rose growers include greensand, black rock phosphate and alfalfa meal.
- Keep pests and diseases under control. A plant that has to fight insects or disease is less vigorous—and less floriferous. Prevent diseases by maintaining good air circulation around the plant, keeping the foliage dry and removing any diseased foliage or spent flowers.
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