What to Feed Roses With in Autumn: The Best Fertilisers and Tips
· Valerii Korolko · 3 min read
Why roses need autumn feeding
Only then do you realise that what to feed roses with in autumn is a question not of aesthetics, but of their health.
In summer, roses give all their strength to flowering. They use up a lot of nutrients, and by autumn their reserves are depleted. That is why feeding roses in autumn is a key stage in helping them recover, grow stronger and prepare for the frosts. Proper rose feeding helps set the flower buds for next year, which guarantees lush, long-lasting blooms.
When and how to feed
In my experience, the best time is from mid-August to the end of September. During this period roses are still active. If you are looking for what to feed roses with in August, know that this is the ideal time. Later there is no point, because the nutrients will not have time to be absorbed, and it may even do harm.
Rule No. 1: Do not feed roses in dry soil! Always water the soil before feeding, otherwise there is a risk of burning the roots. This way the fertilisers dissolve and reach where they are needed more quickly.
What to feed roses with
Mineral fertilisers: what I avoid
From my own experience I can say: no nitrogen in autumn! It provokes the growth of new shoots, which do not ripen before winter and simply freeze. This, by the way, is one of the most common mistakes when people wonder what to feed roses with in August. Nitrogen is needed in spring, and in autumn – phosphorus and potassium.
- Superphosphate: I like it because it makes the root system strong. And strong roots are the key to the health of the whole bush.
- Potassium salt or potassium sulphate: this is my favourite for overwintering. Potassium helps shoots ripen and makes them stronger and more frost-resistant. Potassium fertilisers are a must-have for feeding roses for winter.
If you are thinking about what you can feed roses with, phosphorus-potassium complexes are a sure-fire option.
Organic matter
Organic fertilisers are simply a treasure. Humus or compost can simply be spread in a thin layer around the bush and lightly mixed into the soil. This both feeds the soil and insulates the roots. And one more important point: never use fresh manure! It can burn the roots and provoke diseases.
Preparing roses for winter: not only feeding
What to feed roses with in summer is one thing, but how to prepare roses for winter is something else entirely. Autumn feeding is only part of the job. I always recommend several more important steps.
- Pruning: after the roses have finished flowering, remove the dead blooms to prevent the formation of fruits. This helps the bush conserve its strength.
- Hilling up: before the first frosts I earth up the bushes. This protects the root collar from freezing. For this I use a mixture of soil, peat and sand.
Conclusions: a philosophy of care
So, if you are looking for what to feed roses with, my advice is simple: phosphorus and potassium are your best friends in autumn. Nitrogen – only in spring. What to feed roses with in summer is a different conversation.
Remember that feeding roses in autumn is not just about applying fertilisers. It is about care, about love for plants, which will certainly return to you with lush blooms next season.
Our managers will help you choose the best fertilisers for your plants. Contact us in the way most convenient for you (phone, messengers, e-mail) to get comprehensive information about Belgian Prayon mineral fertilisers.
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