[geonagle]

I planted two different rose bushes ( single knock out and a Louis Phillipe) in the Spring. I started fertilizing these every two months after they initially bloomed. They are both still blooming and doing fine.

Should I fertilize these one more time in October and then stop until next Spring (February ?) Or should I fertilize every two months year round? My goal is to maximize height of bushes and encourage blooms in Fall thru Spring.

Anyone with rose experience here in The Villages?

Thanks.

[Madelaine Amee]

Originally Posted by geonagle

I planted two different rose bushes ( single knock out and a Louis Phillipe) in the Spring. I started fertilizing these every two months after they initially bloomed. They are both still blooming and doing fine.

Should I fertilize these one more time in October and then stop until next Spring (February ?) Or should I fertilize every two months year round? My goal is to maximize height of bushes and encourage blooms in Fall thru Spring.

Anyone with rose experience here in The Villages?

Thanks.

The experts will tell you not to fertilize now through February because you will force them into growth with the cold weather coming. They should start to take off on their own right now in the cooler weather, then prune back in February and start to fertilize again. You are also supposed to leave the dead blooms on the bushes to push the roses into a dormant state through "winter", but I have to admit to deadheading because my roses are never ever better than they are from now until February .............. I used to follow the experts to the letter, now I experiment and do what I think the roses need. They are really very strong weeds and will continue to grow no matter what!

[NJblue]

According to the University of Florida, fertilizer should be applied monthly from mid-February through November here in Central Florida:
Fertilizing Roses - University of Florida's Gardening in a Minute

However, my neighbor has great roses and he fertilizes year-round.

[Susan G]

Pick up BAYER Systemic 3-in-1 liquid (about $15.00 at Home Depot) which is a fertilizer/renewal, fungicide/disease preventative and insecticide in one. Mix 2 oz with 1 qt of water and POUR at the base of each rose plant. Do this once every 6 weeks and watch the results. Best investment for roses hands down.