Bare Root Roses For sale

Planting Bare Root Roses Instructions

You can purchase bare root roses at a local nursery or you buy

rose plants by mail order here

A rose with bare roots looks stark naked, with stubby, thorny stems and stiff roots growing from a rough knob.

The knob is the bud union, where the roots and main stem were grafted together.

Many of the Old Garden roses are grown on their own roots and do not have a graft union.

These bare roots need a good soaking in water before you plant them in the ground.

They need to store up moisture that can be lost during planting.

Soak them a minimum of 3-4 hours (overnight is good also) prior to planting, in a bucket of tepid water.

Next trim off any broken roots, but avoid cutting back the canes unless they are broken.

Finally, immediately, prior to planting, dip the bare roots for a minute or two in a solution of one tablespoon bleach per gallon of water.

This will help remove any pests or fungus spores that might remain on the plant.

Before Planting Tip

Be sure to amend the soil, use a wheel barrow to mix things like composted manure, blood meal and bone meal (follow instructions on package).

Another bare root planting tip is to use Miracle Grow For Roses Soil.

I always use this great bagged soil when planting roses.

It has all the nutrients your rose needs to get off to a great start.

I promise if you do the same your roses will grow twice as fast and blooms twice as much sooneer.

How to Plant Bare Root Roses
Step by Step Instructions

STEP 1:Dig a hole 2 feet deep and 2 feet wide.

Check the planting hole to make sure it's the right depth.

Remove most of the soil from the hole. Make a pyramid at the bottom of the hole with the remaining soil.

If you moisten the soil in the bottom, it will be easier to form a firm pyramid, that your bare root rose will rest on and stay put.

STEP 2:Test the height of the pyramid by setting the bare-root bush on it.

Then lay a yardstick or a broomstick across the top to make sure the bud union is at the correct level.

As a general rule, plant the bud union 2 to 3 inches below the ground in cold winter climates (lows below -10F).

And at ground level, or slightly above, where winters are -10F or warmer. gently spread the bare roots over the pyramid cone of soil.

STEP 3:Carefully add the remaining soil to cover the roots, leaving a 4-inch gap at the top of the hole.

STEP4:Water the plant slowly so the soil can begin to settle.

Water carefully several more times to let the soil fill in completely.

Add more soil to the hole to bring it to the proper level and water again.

STEP 5:Mound mulch over the exposed bud union or base of the plant to prevent moisture loss.

Make a soil dam around the plant to collect water.

STEP 6:After a few weeks of careful watering and when the roots are established, buds and leaves will appear.

It is now time to begin removing the protective mound of mulch over the bud union or base of the plant.

STEP 7:Each time you water the rose, gently wash away some of the mulch mound until the bud union is at the proper level for your climate.

Water the rose bush well (4-5 gallons of water per week,

bush) every three to four days to get the roots off to a healthy start.

I recommend that you read my page about Rose Maintenance so that your roses really gets the care they need to flower the best.

It's the most important page on my Web site.