How to Grow Roses From Seed Pods

Rose hips are the seed pods of a rose.

Roses will grow from the seeds in the bright red rose hips or seed pods. The next time you are taking a walk, pick a rose hip to start your own plants. The seeds need to go through a period of stratification to break the inherent dormancy period, but after that they tend to germinate quickly. Expect new rose plants to blossom as soon as six weeks after seed germination. Of course, as with any seed, the resulting plants might not be identical to the mother plant.

Things You'll Need

• Collection plate
• Plastic sandwich bag
• Peat moss
• Planting container
• Perlite

Instructions

1. Cut open the rose hip to expose the seeds. Scoop out the seeds over a collection plate or bowl. Remove any plant matter to prevent decay and fungal growth.

2. Place the seeds in a plastic sandwich bag filled with 6 oz. of dampened peat moss. Label the bag with the date and the contents.

3. Set the sealed and labeled bag in the vegetable drawer of a refrigerator for a stratification period of two to three months.

4. Open the bag after the stratification period and plant the seeds in a 2:1 mix of peat moss and perlite. Place them on the surface of the soil and sprinkle a 1/8-inch layer of soil over them.

5. Moisten the seeds with about 2 oz. of water and place in a spot that will remain between 50 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Expose them to direct light for at least six hours a day.

6. Transplant the seedlings outside in the spring after the last threat of frost.

References

• University of Minnesota Extension; Shrub Rose Breeding Program Blooms!; Kathy Zuzek; February 2003
• Iowa State University; Multi-Floral Rose; Janice Hotz; February 2006