Lots of new shoots, lush green leaves and plenty of flowers. These are the hallmarks of he althy roses in summer. But they don't always look like that. They start their growing season quite inconspicuously in spring. Only a few bare sticks stick out of the rhizome, cut short to a minimum. When is the best time to plant roses to harmonize with this typical growth cycle?
The challenge after planting
Planting is a special challenge for every plant, including the rose. It always takes time to take root in the new soil. This is the first and necessary step. The roots are the part of the plant that is responsible for supplying water and nutrients. Only if the rose gets enough of it will it have the strength to grow above ground. When looking for the ideal time for planting, the question arises: When is the best time for the rose to take root during the year?
The typical growth behavior of roses
In the gardening year, the rose goes through a period of visible growth and a period of rest. In spring the rose comes to new life. All their power pushes upwards from the roots towards light and warmth. For many months she will be full of energy growing. In autumn, when the temperatures are lower and the days become shorter, the rose prepares for its winter rest again. All nutrients and vitamins are extracted from the leaves and stored in the wood and roots. This cyclical growth behavior determines the appropriate planting time.
Autumn is the ideal planting time
Roses expect the best conditions during the main growing season. They then need a lot of energy to grow leaves and form flowers. The roots play a crucial role as a supplier of the nutrients required. If planted during this time, the roots will not be able to provide the plant with adequate immediate nourishment. Both root formation and above-ground growth would suffer. Only when they go into the dormant phase in autumn is it time to plant the roses.
- wait for the end of the vegetation phase
- Autumn is the ideal planting time
- plant before a prolonged frost
- Planting is possible until November or December
- at temperatures above freezing point
- the ground shouldn't be frozen either
- A few frosty days interrupt the planting season
- It is frost-free, can even be planted in December and January
- Planting is not possible until prolonged frost occurs
- the rose at rest is hardy
Planting time for bare root roses
Bare root roses are available in stores in autumn. After planting, these roses have enough time to take root over the winter and start the new flowering season with full force.
- on bare-root roses the roots are free and visible
- not hidden in a ball of earth
- come directly from the rose growers' field to the trade
- without the detour of intermediate planting in a pot
- the root system is more vital than that of roses available in pots
- This makes the plant more persistent in growth
Since the bare roots can dry out more easily without the protective layer of soil, they should be planted as soon as possible after purchase.
- October to early December is planting time
- even on frost-free winter days
- Planting season ends at the end of April at the latest
Roses planted in autumn have a growth advantage over specimens planted later. This will also be noticeable in the flower development.
Store bare-root roses
If planting a bare-root rose is not possible immediately after purchase, it must be stored temporarily.
- Packing roses moistly
- in wood wool and foil
- store in a cool place
- Storage is possible for up to two weeks
Nursery schools also store their unsold bare-root roses.
In the fall they clear their rose fields and then the roses go into the cold stores. However, the long storage period until spring affects their quality.
Tip:
Don't wait until spring to buy a bare root rose. Plant bare-root roses in autumn. Only then will you get a fresh rose from the field in the best quality and not a stock item.
Planting time for container roses
In addition to bare-root roses, so-called container roses are also available in specialist shops all year round. These are roses that are planted in a pot and their roots are surrounded by soil. The planting time for container roses extends throughout the year as long as the ground is not frozen.
- Roots are already in the soil
- Roses are already rooted
- Planting is possible all year round
- However, autumn planting is optimal
The container roses can be planted all year round, but not every season is equally suitable. The same applies here: Hot temperatures are stressful for the rose. The container rose has rooted through its ball of earth, but still has to conquer the bed with its roots. Until then, the plant cannot supply itself with enough water on hot days. Therefore, only plant roses in the warm season if you find time to water them every day.
Note:
In horticulture, small pots in which roses are planted are called rose pots. If they have a volume of 5 liters or more, they are called containers. This is where the name container rose comes from.
Planting time for climbing roses
The climbing rose is no exception among rose varieties when it comes to the ideal planting time. It is also best to enter its new location on an autumn day. The climbing rose has already shed its leaves and is preparing for winter rest. Planting in autumn doesn't cause you any stress, the so-called “plant shock” stays away.
- Planting time is from October to April
- Ground should not be frozen
- October is the best month
- Autumn and winter offer enough time for rooting
- especially the fine hair roots can develop
- In spring the rose can sprout vigorously
Note:
Climbing roses purchased in spring are usually not fresh, but have been stored in a cold store for several months. They are more susceptible to disease and often grow more poorly.
Repotting container roses
Some rose bushes do not grow in beds, but in containers. These potted roses need a larger pot from time to time and new, fresh substrate. The additional space in the new pot must be occupied by the roots without affecting the above-ground growth and abundance of flowers. Therefore, it is important to repot at an appropriate time.
- Repotting is basically possible at any time
- assuming the temperature is in the positive range
- Autumn is recommended though
- alternatively also in spring
Repotting is a small “shock” for the plant that can have undesirable consequences. Especially if the rose is transplanted during its main growing season, further growth can suffer:
- When repotting, some of the roots are damaged
- Plant cannot be adequately supplied
- necessary root growth robs additional strength
- As a result, leaves and flowers are often dropped
For this reason, repotting should, if possible, not be done during the growing season. From autumn, when the rose is dormant, until the first shoots in spring, the rose can get a new pot. There is no shock and the plant can develop wonderfully in spring.
Why roses are offered in spring
If fall is the right season for planting roses, why are there so many rose plants available for purchase in spring? You can find them in large numbers in garden centers or even discount stores. This offer appeals to the desire for gardening that is rekindled with spring. Many people don't enjoy digging in the garden and planting new plants in the wet and uncomfortable autumn. That is also easy to understand. It is also possible to plant roses in spring. However, the best season is and remains autumn.
