How to Plant Bare Root Roses in Containers
The term "bare root" describes roots that have had the soil removed. Roses shipped from nurseries often arrive bare root. Most nurseries will ship bare root roses between November and April, their natural dormancy period. Bare root roses usually require planting upon receipt to keep the roots from drying out. Planting the bare roots in 5-gallon containers will give the roses a healthy start. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Filla 5-gallon containers with organic potting soil. Leave at least a 1-inch gap between the lip of the container and the soil.
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Spread the bare roots the rose to their widest point. Dig a hole in the center of each container with gloved hands. Make the holes large enough to accommodate the width of the bare roots of each rose plant.
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Deposit one bare root rose plant in the center of each hole. Make sure that the graft union (transition between roots and stem) of each plant rests above the soil line. Backfill the holes after planting each bare root rose, patting the soil afterward to release air pockets.
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Water the bare root roses immediately after planting. Water the bare root roses at least once a week, allowing the water to flow through the soil and out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the containers.
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Remove the top 1 inch from each bare root stem with a pair of pruning shears. The ideal length for starter shoots is 6 to 8 inches.
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Set the bare root rose containers in a lightly shaded area for the first two weeks of planting. Move the bare cut roses to a sunny location that receives at least six hours of bright sunlight per day.
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Tips & Warnings
Supplement the bare root roses with a diet of bone meal. Follow the instructions on the label for allocation amounts and frequency.
Do not over-water bare root roses. Doing so will cause the roots to rot. Press your fingers into the soil before each watering. If the soil feels moist, do not add more water.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Root image by D"or from Fotolia.com
