How to Grow Mini Parade Roses

Mini parade roses are like any other variety of miniature rose. They have tiny blossoms and grow from 3 to 18 inches in height. The roses bloom continually through spring and summer and, in most cases, are extremely winter hardy. They take up little room in the garden -- which makes them ideal for small spaces -- and even grow well in containers. They also grow well indoors as houseplants.

Things You'll Need

• 1 warm fluorescent light
• 1 cool fluorescent light
• Planting container
• Potting soil
• Compost
• Spade
• Rose fertilizer
• Pruners

Instructions

1. Plant the mini parade roses in a container or in your garden. Whichever option you choose, these plants need well-drained soil and between five to six hours of direct sunlight per day.

   If you're growing the roses inside, the Iowa State University Extension recommends placing them near a south- or west-facing window for five to six hours per day. Alternatively, you can use artificial light, such as a warm fluorescent light and a cool fluorescent light, in place of natural light. Place the mini parade roses under the two fluorescent lights for 16 to 18 hours per day.

2. Fill a planting container with potting soil and dig a small hole in the center, as deep as the mini parade roses' root ball and two times as wide. Place the mini parade rose plant into the hole and fill it with soil.

   For garden planting, work 4 to 5 inches of compost into your soil to a depth of 6 inches. Dig a hole in the soil as deep as the mini parade roses' root ball and twice as wide. Place the mini parade rose plant into the hole and fill it with soil.

3. Water container-grown mini parade roses when the soil is drying out. Add water until it leaks out of the bottom of the container.

   For garden plants, water the soil well around the mini parade roses for five minutes each time you water. The goal is to keep the soil moist but not soggy.

4. Fertilize your mini parade roses with a formula optimized for roses, available at most nurseries and garden stores. Apply 1 tsp. of the fertilizer once or twice per month when the roses are flowering. Water the roses after you apply the fertilizer.

5. Prune the mini parade roses from March to April, while they're dormant. Cut back about half of the plant and remove weak, damaged, diseased and broken canes. Dead-head spent flowers during the flowering season.

References

• University of Illinois Extension: Our Rose Garden
• Colorado State University Co-Op Extension: Miniature Roses -- Versatile Plants, Indoors or Out!
• Iowa State University Extension: Miniature Roses
• University of Missouri Extension: Lighting Indoor Houseplants