Kansas City Rose Society
  • 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 >
      • 2022 Fall Newsletter
  • Events
    • Event Calendar
    • Weddings
  • Programs
    • For Adults >
      • Rose Garden Groomers
      • Rose Garden Readings
      • Rose Show
      • Photography Workshop
    • For Children >
      • 2023 Poetry Contest >
        • Past Poetry Winners
      • 2023 Art Show >
        • 2020 Exhibit
      • Garden Field Trips
  • KCRS Photos
    • 2022 Photo Gallery >
      • Past Years' Galleries
    • 2022 KCRS Rose Show Photo Winners >
      • Archive - KCRS Rose Show Photo Winners
    • Rose Videos
    • 2021 AMS Photo Winner
  • 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
    • Watering Roses
  • Rose Library
  • Join Us
    • Membership
    • Online Application
    • The Rosebuds
    • Member Opportunities
  • Donations
    • Make A Donation
    • Memory & Friendship Roses >
      • Purchase Online
    • Yearbook Sponsors
Fertilizing Roses
Roses require ongoing fertilization to keep them blooming well all summer..
Picture
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
​
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.

Picture
​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. 
​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.​
  • CONTACT US
  • Locate Us
  • Site Map
  • 2022, Fall Newsletter
  • 2022 Garden Guide / Pocket-size
  • Become a Member
Do You Have A Question About Roses?
  • Ask A Rosarian! ​
  • View Our FAQ Section
Click Here to make an online donation to the Kansas City Rose Society.
The Kansas City Rose Society is a not-for-profit organization.
Click Here to Order a Love is a Rose rose bush for you loved one, online, today.
Picture
Site Updated 01-24-23

Click Here to joint us on FaceBook!
Click Here to visit our YouTube page.
Click Here to visit our Instagram feed.
Our Vision -- A World Class public rose garden where the community can enjoy and learn about roses.

Website by limestone9consulting.com
© 2022 Kansas City Rose Society

  • 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 >
      • 2022 Fall Newsletter
  • Events
    • Event Calendar
    • Weddings
  • Programs
    • For Adults >
      • Rose Garden Groomers
      • Rose Garden Readings
      • Rose Show
      • Photography Workshop
    • For Children >
      • 2023 Poetry Contest >
        • Past Poetry Winners
      • 2023 Art Show >
        • 2020 Exhibit
      • Garden Field Trips
  • KCRS Photos
    • 2022 Photo Gallery >
      • Past Years' Galleries
    • 2022 KCRS Rose Show Photo Winners >
      • Archive - KCRS Rose Show Photo Winners
    • Rose Videos
    • 2021 AMS Photo Winner
  • 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
    • Watering Roses
  • Rose Library
  • Join Us
    • Membership
    • Online Application
    • The Rosebuds
    • Member Opportunities
  • Donations
    • Make A Donation
    • Memory & Friendship Roses >
      • Purchase Online
    • Yearbook Sponsors