Best Fertilizers for Roses: Organic & Chemical Options

Recently many florists consult the question of rose fertilization, today we will briefly talk about the types of fertilizers suitable for roses and how to use.

Classification of fertilizers

Fertilizer is mainly divided into two categories: organic fertilizer and inorganic fertilizer:

• Organic fertilizer: from animal and plant excreta or residues, made by fermentation.
• Inorganic fertilizers: synthetic chemical fertilizers such as Flower Tone, Osmocote and various nutrient solutions.

Common organic fertilizers for roses

1. Soybean cake fertilizer / rice water

Soybean cake fertilizer is a common organic fertilizer for potted flowers. It is rich in organic matter, which improves soil structure and provides nutrients. However, it is high in nitrogen content, and long-term use may cause the roses to grow unduly and the branches to be too long, which is not conducive to plant control.

2. Fermented Chicken / Sheep Manure

These two kinds of organic fertilizers are easier to buy in the market, with a balanced ratio of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium, and rich in organic matter and trace elements, which can provide lasting fertility for roses. However, only relying on chicken manure or sheep manure may not be able to meet the demand of roses’ vigorous blooming, so it is recommended to supplement phosphorus and potassium fertilizers.

3. Fish guts fertilizer

Fish guts fertilizer is made from fermented fish guts, which is rich in phosphorus and potassium, and can help roses bloom bigger and more colorful. However, homemade fish guts fertilizer may produce bad smell, so it is not recommended to use it for balcony or pot planting.

How to use organic fertilizer with inorganic fertilizer?

• Daily fertilization: You can use fermented chicken manure or sheep manure as the basic fertilizer to provide long-term nutrients.
• Supplementary fertilizer: Use with inorganic fertilizer, choose different ratios for different growth stages:
  • • Growing stage (without buds): use fertilizers with balanced nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (e.g. 1:1:1 ratio).
    • Bloom stage: choose fertilizers with higher phosphorus and potassium content (e.g. 2:3:2 ratio).

Fertilizer application precautions

• Avoid concentrated fertilizers: Dilute fertilizers strictly according to their instructions to prevent root burning.
• Adjustment in summer: Reduce the concentration of fertilizer during the hot season and adjust the frequency of fertilizer application according to the state of the plant.
• Stop fertilizer when growth is stagnant: If rose growth is slow or stagnant, fast-acting inorganic fertilizer should be suspended.