How to Grow Rose (Rosa chinensis)? Detailed Guide to Cultivation Methods and Precautions

The rose is arguably one of the most common flowering plants. In the past, households that loved flowers would usually grow some roses. With the development of the times, the planting base of roses has continued to break through in large numbers, and roses have gradually shed their identity as a home-grown plant to become a plant that is very widely and appropriately used in garden landscaping. Growing roses has set off a new wave.

How to Grow Roses

Roses have strong adaptability, are both cold-resistant and drought-tolerant, and have low soil requirements, but slightly acidic sandy soil rich in organic matter with good drainage is more conducive to their growth. They like sunlight, but excessive direct strong light can also affect the normal development of flower buds and easily cause the petals to scorch. Generally speaking, 22-25°C is the optimal ambient temperature for rose growth, while high summer temperatures will affect flowering.

Roses can bloom continuously, but a well-ventilated and pollution-free growing environment must be ensured. The cause of powdery mildew, which is harmful to them, is poor ventilation, and the toxicity of harmful gases in the air (sulfur dioxide, chlorine, fluoride, etc.) cannot be ignored.

Rose Cultivation Methods

1. Pot and soil selection

The choice of flower pot does not need to be fancy; an ordinary clay pot that drains and breathes well will do. Before using a new clay pot, soak it thoroughly with water first, then use it. For newly rooted cuttings, choose a small pot of about 15 cm; for 1-2 year old rose seedlings, choose a pot of 18-20 cm, gradually increasing in size according to the plant's size.

Roses like slightly moist soil and are very afraid of drought or waterlogging, so the soil must be loose, well-draining, and also have a certain ability to retain water and fertilizer.

2. Temperature requirements

The most suitable growing temperature for roses is 18-20°C, so in April-May and September-October each year, the flowers are larger and the colors are brilliant. As the temperature rises and stabilizes at around 30°C, the flowers become smaller in color, faint in fragrance, low in ornamental value, and susceptible to pests and diseases.

In high or low temperature environments, roses enter a dormant state and may show leaf drop; there is no need to worry.

3. Light requirements

Roses are sun-loving plants and need sufficient sunlight for growth; daily light exposure must not be less than 5-6 hours, otherwise the branches and leaves will be weak and leggy shoots will appear. Generally, for the care of potted roses, place them in a sunny spot and provide shade and cooling in summer.

4. Watering methods

Spring is the season when roses sprout and grow branches, and water supply is very important. In March, when new leaves emerge, water once every 2 days, in the morning; in April, when flower buds gradually form, water once a day; in May, when the flowering period begins, water twice a day, generally once around 8 a.m. and once around 4 p.m., supplementing water as appropriate according to the dryness or moisture of the potting soil.

In other seasons, water according to the principle of “do not water if not dry, and water thoroughly when watering”; when the weather is hot in summer, you can spray water appropriately to lower the temperature.

5. Fertilization methods

Roses should be fertilized with light fertilizer applied frequently.

Before spring sprouting, fertilize once, using decomposed human manure, bean cake, etc. When the buds are about to open, apply an additional light liquid fertilizer. After the summer flowers fade, apply a decomposed liquid fertilizer once to promote autumn flowering. In winter, apply a small amount of organic fertilizer at the roots to enhance the plant's disease resistance.

6. Pest and disease control

When the environment is poorly ventilated and light is insufficient, roses are very prone to pest and disease problems, such as aphids, powdery mildew, black spot, etc. When pests and diseases appear, spray pesticide promptly to avoid affecting flowering.

Precautions for Growing Roses

1. Roses have strong cold resistance and can withstand low temperatures of -10°C. Generally speaking, in the south there is no need to move them indoors for the winter; just place them under a south-facing eaves. After flowering in October, do not prune, so as not to cause new buds to sprout. Stop applying nitrogen fertilizer and instead apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, so that the branches become sturdy and full, enhancing cold resistance. Do not let them lose water when frozen, to prevent death from dry freezing.

2. Generally, when new shoots grow to 15-20 cm, cut off about 3 cm from the top to make the side buds sprout. When the side branches grow to a certain length, continue pinching until the required number of branches is reached.

3. The soil in potted rose pots dries out very easily, and nutrients are easily lost, so during the growth period, water and fertilize in a timely manner. In spring, water thoroughly once every 2-3 days; afterward, as the temperature rises, change to watering once a day; in the hot summer, also appropriately supplement water once a day. Of course, do not let water accumulate in the pot; after heavy rain, pay attention to drainage, otherwise long-term water accumulation will cause root rot.

4. Roses should be potted before early spring sprouting, using decomposed sesame paste residue and horseshoe slices as base fertilizer. Place the small seedling with its soil ball in the center of the pot, add soil around it until it is 2-3 cm from the pot rim, press the soil firm, water thoroughly, place in a cool place, and after a week move it to a spot with sufficient sunlight.

The Flowering Period of Roses

Roses have a relatively long flowering period, blooming continuously from March to October, with delicate and varied colors and fragrance.

The cultivation techniques for roses should be relatively simple; after all, roses are a flowering plant with a very high survival rate and very strong adaptability to the environment. However, to grow truly perfect roses, a precise grasp of cultivation techniques is still the grower's most authoritative reliance.