How to Grow Rose Hips

Rose bushes produce nutritious hips as well as attractive flowers.

Rose hips, the fruit of a rose bush, have many culinary uses. Tea made from rose hips is tasty and provides a powerful dose of vitamin C, more than citrus, and rose hips are easier to grow than oranges or lemons. Plant a few old-fashioned rose shrubs and reap the rewards. If you don't use the hips yourself, you'll still be rewarded with birds visiting the garden to eat them.

Things You'll Need

• Rugosa roses
• Mulch
• Time-release fertilizer

Instructions

1. Plant a rose variety that will grow rose hips. Many modern varieties of roses are bred to avoid the fruits forming. Old-fashioned shrub-type roses are the best choices. Rugosa is the most popular choice for taste.

2. Plant rugosa roses in well-drained soil, in a hole slightly larger than the new plant's root ball. The plant's crown, located just above the root ball, should be 1-inch under the soil. Firm the soil around the plant and top with a 2-inch layer of mulch. Rugosa is cold and drought resistant. Plant rugosa in a grouping for a spectacular hedge.

3. Avoid the use of pesticides and herbicides on or near the rose bushes if you plan to use the rose hips for culinary purposes.

4. Pick rose hips in the fall. Trim both ends and cut in half lengthwise, exposing the fine hairs and seeds inside. Remove these, as they are not edible. Do not use aluminum utensils or trays, as they deplete the vitamin C rose hips are known for.

References

• University of Vermont: Rose Hips
• Washington State University: Growing and Drying Herbs
• Vegetarian Nutrition: Rose Hips
• Rose Magazine: Planting Roses