The September meeting of Indraprastha Horticulture Society was an extremely interesting one- made specially so by the knowledge and wit of Rahul ji. Shri Rahul Kumar was invited as the guest speaker to guide members on roses . He has many years of experience in growing and looking after roses- and described them as his first love.

He rightly said that roses are often seen as the epitome of beauty and grace in any garden, but their care requires patience, attention, and knowledge. Whether you’re a novice gardener or a seasoned enthusiast, understanding the essential care techniques for roses will help you achieve vibrant, healthy blooms all year

Here’s his step-by-step guide to help you grow stunning roses in your own garden.

1. Selecting the Right Rose Variety

Before diving into the care process, it’s important to choose the right type of rose for your garden’s climate. Roses come in many varieties, including Hybrid Tea Roses, Climbing Roses, Floribunda Roses, Miniature Roses: He recommends choosing roses that suit your local climate and the amount of sunlight your garden receives. Some roses are more suited to colder climates, while others thrive in warmer, tropical regions.

2. Preparing the Soil : Roses thrive in rich, well-draining soil. Poor soil can lead to root rot and weak plants, so it’s essential to give your roses a solid foundation to grow from.

• • Soil Type: Roses prefer slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0 to 6.5). You can test your soil using a simple pH test kit. There are different types of medium that can be used to grow roses in containers:
  • A soil rich in manure. The soil mix should contain 60-70% well aged gobar khad ( cow dung manure) or vermicompost or leaf manure. Add 5%each of neem khali and bonemeal.
  • Roses can be grown in khangar/ cinder( very very fine). There is no need to add neem khali or bonemeal when using this medium.
  • Coco peat is also good for roses. The coco peat should be washed 4-5  times before use. Neem khali and bone meal  needs to be added  to cocopeat before use.

3.  Planting Site: Ensure the location gets at least 6 -8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Roses love the sun, and too much shade can lead to sparse blooms and increased vulnerability to disease.
4. Planting Roses

Planting your roses correctly is crucial for their success. Here’s how to do it right:

• • Spacing: Ensure you plant your roses far enough apart (about 18–24 inches) to allow proper air circulation. This helps prevent fungal diseases.
  • Planting Depth: When planting bare-root roses, bury the graft union (where the rootstock and the rose variety meet) about 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface. For potted roses, plant them at the same depth they were in the pot.
  • Watering: Water the plants well immediately after planting. Ensure the soil around the roots is evenly moist, but not soggy. Delhi ground water is not suitable for roses as it contains excessive amounts of dissolved solutes.

5. Watering Techniques

Roses need consistent moisture, but they don’t like sitting in water. Here’s how to keep them hydrated:

• • Deep Watering: Water roses deeply to encourage deep root growth. Shallow watering can lead to weak, surface-level roots.
  • Watering Time: Water in the early morning to allow the foliage to dry off before evening. Wet foliage overnight can encourage fungal diseases.
  • Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around your roses to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

6. Fertilizing Roses

Roses are heavy feeders, and they benefit from regular fertilization.

• • Type of Fertilizer: Use a balanced rose fertilizer that’s high in potassium and phosphorus, which promotes strong roots and vibrant blooms.
  • Spray roses with liquid fertiliser
  • Roses need both macro nutrients ( NKP) and micro nutrients

Macro nutrients

NKP: nitrogen,  potassium ( potash), phosphate

In summers give  nitrogen based food.

In winter give more of potash to induce flowering.

Give Epsom salt to roses – at least twice a week

Method: 2 grams NKP and 1 gram Epsom salt- put in one litre water and this is for about two plants

Water plants with an organic liquid fertiliser once every 7-10 days

Micro nutrients

Rexolin – use once a week. 1 gram per pot

Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms.

7. Pruning Roses

Regular pruning is essential for healthy roses. Here’s how to prune effectively:

• • One week before pruning add 1 teaspoon of Tata Ralligold granules around the plant and water well.
  • Time to Prune: First week of October is the right time to prune. Pruning has to be hard pruning.
  • Deadheading: Remove faded blooms to encourage new growth and more flowers. This helps the plant focus its energy on producing fresh buds rather than seed production.
  • Shape and Size: Cut back about 1/3 of the plant, removing any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Make cuts at a 45-degree angle, just above an outward-facing bud.
  • Sanitation: Always use sharp, clean pruning tools to reduce the risk of transmitting disease.

8. Protecting Roses from Pests and Diseases

Roses are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, but with proper care, many of these can be managed effectively.

• • Common Pests: Aphids, spider mites, and rose beetles are common pests. Spray the plant with a diluted solution of reeta (soapnut) soap as a preventive  measure against infestations  and  neem oil  to treat disease.
  • Fungal Diseases: Black spot, powdery mildew, and rust are common fungal issues. Ensure proper spacing for air circulation and remove affected leaves immediately. Fungicide treatments may also be necessary.
  •          For information on organic pesticides refer to our article ‘ The Organic Way to a Better and Healthy Garden’

8. Regular Maintenance

Roses require ongoing maintenance throughout the growing season. Keep an eye on the following:

• • Regular Inspections: Check your roses regularly for pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies.
  • Proper Deadheading: Regularly remove spent blooms to promote continuous flowering.
  • Air Circulation: Keep the area around your roses clear of weeds, which can compete for nutrients and moisture.

Caring for roses can be both challenging and incredibly rewarding. By selecting the right variety, providing optimal growing conditions, and following the proper care techniques, you’ll be able to enjoy your roses for years to come. Rahul ji said that with the right knowledge and a bit of dedication, anyone can grow beautiful, thriving roses. Happy gardening!