A detailed guide to cut rose production procedures, a must-read for growers

I. Propagation Cut roses are mainly propagated by grafting. The rootstocks used are wild rose, multiflora rose, or Rosa canina, with Rosa canina being the most ideal. Grafting propagation is carried out during the growing season, usually in mid-March or from early July to mid-September. At this time, the bark of the rootstock is easy to peel, making the operation convenient and resulting in a high survival rate. When grafting, first make a vertical cut on the rootstock, then make a horizontal cut to form a "T" shape. Then cut a shield-shaped bud piece from the scion and insert it into the cut. Then tie and secure it in place. After the scion survives, cut off the part above the cut. After 3 months, it can become a seedling. In addition to grafting propagation, cuttings and tissue culture are also commonly used for propagation in production. However, cutting seedlings have a weak root system and a shorter lifespan, which is not conducive to promotion.

II. Cultivation and Management (1) Soil preparation. Before planting, disinfect the soil, mainly by steam sterilization; if conditions do not permit, chloropicrin fumigation can also be used. After chloropicrin fumigation, deep plowing should be done multiple times to avoid phytotoxicity affecting the subsequent development of the plant root system. Then apply a 20 cm thick layer of farmyard manure, plow and turn it in, and form high beds 50 cm wide, with a bed height of 15-20 cm. (2) Planting. Plant two rows per bed, with plants staggered between rows, which is beneficial for ventilation and light penetration. The plant spacing is 30-40 cm. When planting, spread the root system outward in all directions. The graft union should be 1-2 cm above the soil surface, and the soil should be mounded slightly higher than the ground. After watering and settling, keep the union still above the ground to prevent the scion from rooting. (3) Post-planting management. During the seedling stage, remove flower buds in time to promote root growth. When the flowering mother branch reaches 50 cm in length, flowers can be retained for production use. Remove side buds and side flower buds in time to ensure the development of the terminal bud, and promptly remove shoots sprouting from the rootstock and roots produced by the scion. (4) Skillful fertilization and watering. Watering roses should follow the principle of watering when dry and stopping when wet. Usually, water twice a week during the growing season, and once a week during the dormant period is appropriate, but adjust appropriately according to weather and soil moisture. For topdressing, inorganic liquid fertilizers are commonly used, with less nitrogen fertilizer and more phosphorus and potassium fertilizer.

III. Harvesting of Cut Flowers Timely harvesting of cut roses is an important factor related to the vase life of cut flowers. Flower stems harvested too early are prone to bent neck, while harvesting too late shortens the vase life. Red and pink varieties of roses are generally harvested when the first petal loosens and opens outward; yellow varieties should be harvested slightly earlier, while white varieties should be harvested when the third petal loosens and opens outward.