Kansas City Rose Society
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Roses require ongoing fertilization to keep them blooming well all summer..
Fertilizing Roses

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Recommendations For Fertilizing Roses In The Kansas City Area

​All fertilization programs start with a soil test for pH and base fertility.  The pH of the soil needs to be between 6.0 and 6.5 for optimal availability of nutrients from the soil.  Soils in the Kansas City area generally have a pH above 7.0.  The pH can be lowered with the addition of soil sulfur, or raised with an application of lime. Our region’s soils generally contain adequate amounts of phosphorus and potassium.  Nitrogen is usually needed because rain and irrigation leaches it out of the soil. The soil test results will guide you in adjusting the pH and supplementing your soil with the correct nutrients.  ► Also See Rose Soil Testing Tips
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When to Fertilize
Start fertilizing in April, and make the last application no later than mid-August. For large shrub roses, adjust the amounts to no more than twice the portions listed below. Remember that more is not better. Over-fertilized plants attract insect pests and have less resistance to disease.

​How Much Fertilizer
Roses need 2 to 4 pounds of nitrogen per 1000 square feet of garden every growing season.  It should be applied in one pound increments, applied 2-4 times throughout the growing season.  Whether using a chemical fertilizer or an organic fertilizer, it should contain a combination of slow release and fast release nitrogen to provide even nutrition through the growing season. 
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​How to Apply

​Here is a simple formula for any dry or granular fertilizer to convert from pounds of fertilizer and square feet of garden to the treatment of one rose bush.
 
If using lawn fertilizer with a formula of around 30-3-3 (30% nitrogen (N), 3 % phosphorus (P), and 3% potassium(K)), spread one teaspoon of fertilizer. (Be very careful that the lawn fertilizer does NOT contain weed killer!)   If a balanced formula such as 10-10-10 is used, about one tablespoon of fertilizer is needed for each application.  For a fertilizer containing 2% to 5% nitrogen, such as manure or alfalfa meal, ¼ cup fertilizer will be needed for each application.  If you use a liquid fertilizer, follow the directions on the product package, and assume that this equals one fertilizer treatment.

Pull back the mulch around the base of the plant and sprinkle the fertilizer evenly in a circle. Always water your roses before you fertilize and again after spreading the fertilizer under the bush.  This will prevent leaf burn from the fertilizer being too concentrated in the soil.  
For fertilizer recommendations in other parts of the country, contact your local extension office and/or seek advice from a nearby local:
  • American Rose Society Group.​
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The Kansas City Rose Society is a not-for-profit organization.
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Site Updated 02-22-21

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Our Vision -- A World Class public rose garden where the community can enjoy and learn about roses.

Website by limestone9consulting.com
  • Home
    • Locate Us
    • Site Map
  • About
    • Our Organization
    • Our Board Members >
      • Get Involved
      • Board Responsibilities
    • Award of Garden Excellence
    • The Garden Story
    • Our History
    • News & Newsletters
  • Events
    • Event Calendar
    • 2021 Spring Demo
    • Photography Workshop
    • Rose Garden Readings
    • 2019 Rose Show & Day
  • Programs
    • Adult Programs >
      • Rose Garden Grooming
      • Rose Garden Readings
      • Rose Show & Day
      • Photography Workshop
    • Children Programs >
      • 2021 Poetry Contest >
        • 2020 Poetry Winners
        • 2019 Poetry Winners
        • 2017 Poetry Winners
        • 2016 Poetry Winners
        • 2015 Poetry Winners
      • 2021 Art Show
      • Garden Field Trips >
        • 2020 Virtual Art Show
  • Rose Info
    • Growing Roses
    • Ask A Rosarian! - FAQ
    • Rose Resources
    • Rose Care Calendar
    • Getting Started
    • Transplanting Roses
    • Pruning Roses
    • Winter Rose Care
    • Rose Classifications
    • Rose Diseases
    • Rose Insect Pests
    • Rose Soil Testing Tips
    • Fertilizing Roses
  • Photos
    • Videos
    • 2020 Photo Gallery >
      • 2019 Photo Archive
      • 2018 Photo Archive
      • 2017 Photo Archive
      • 2016 Photo Archive
      • 2015 Photo Archive
      • 2014 Photo Archive
      • 2013 Photo Archive
      • 2012 Photo Archive
    • Rose Photo Winners
  • Join Us
    • Opportunities
    • Membership >
      • Online Application
    • Get Involved
    • Rose Garden Groomers
  • Donations
    • Make A Donation
    • Memory & Friendship Roses >
      • Purchase Online
  • Benefactors
    • Donors
    • Directory Sponsors
  • Weddings