Method for cultivating rose rootstock in autumn and grafting tree roses in spring

Rose rootstock is best planted in autumn, so we can buy it back and cultivate it during this season afterward. If the rose rootstock survives successfully, by the following spring we can use it as rootstock to graft tree roses.

However, when autumn actually arrives, it is usually still not easy to buy rose rootstock. Moreover, rose rootstock is generally propagated by hardwood cuttings, since cuttings have a high survival rate, roots grow quickly, and it easily becomes a seedling.

By observing the roots of the purchased rose cutting rootstock, we can generally determine that the cutting medium used is a mixture of perlite and garden soil. If the rose rootstock we buy back is relatively tall, it can usually be used for grafting to cultivate tree roses, and can even be grafted with shrub roses or climbing roses.

In fact, we generally only need to buy rootstock with a diameter of 2 cm and a height of 50-60 cm to graft tree roses, and rootstock of this size is not expensive, relatively affordable. Now let's see how to plant it!

First, we still need to use a mixed solution of some rooting agent and hymexazol fungicide on the roots of the rootstock, generally soaking the roots in the solution for 20 minutes. This can prevent root nodule disease, and at the same time promote rapid sprouting and growth of the rose rootstock's root system, making it easier to survive after transplanting.

If we want to plant the rose rootstock in the ground, we only need to dig a hole in a suitable place, bury some decomposed organic fertilizer in the hole, and it is even better if some beneficial bacteria can be buried in. Then plant the rose rootstock directly into it. But if we are growing it in a pot, the medium must be prepared well. It is recommended to use coarse coconut coir and fine coconut coir, then mix them in equal proportions, and then mix in some garden soil, perlite, etc., all of which are fine.

After preparing the medium, we can directly pot the rose rootstock. But when potting, no base fertilizer of any kind can be added. Generally, after planting, we just evenly sprinkle some fermented and decomposed organic fertilizer on the surface of the pot. Then mix it evenly with the surface soil. This works better, is less likely to cause fertilizer burn, and still provides nutrients.

If we use fertilizer as base fertilizer, it tends to easily cause root burn, since the space in the pot is limited, so sprinkling decomposed organic fertilizer on the pot surface is more reasonable. Care for it this way for one year, and when the plant grows many branches by May-June of the following year, we then use it as rootstock to graft tree roses, and the effect is very good.