March Rose Care Tips: Boost Spring Blooms with Expert Advice

March is the season of rapid growth of new rose buds, and management at this time directly affects the first spring crop of roses. If not managed properly, a large number of blind buds and yellow leaves may appear, affecting the quality of flowering, and today we will talk about tips on how to care for roses during this period.

Key points of rose management in March

As the temperature varies greatly in March, the growth condition of roses will also be different, so the management method also needs to be adapted to the local conditions.

#I. Northern Region

For the northern region, the temperature in March is still low, and the new buds of roses have just sprouted. At this time, you need to pay attention to the following points:

Remove the mulch in time

In cold northern regions, roses usually need to be covered with insulation cloth when overwintering. When the temperature stabilizes above -5 degrees, you should gradually remove the mulch in time. If it is removed too late, roses may germinate early and affect normal growth.

Pruning and garden clearing

If pruning was not carried out in the winter or was not done properly, additional pruning can be done now to control the shape of the plant. After pruning, it is recommended to use stone sulfur compound for full spraying and a clearing of the garden to minimize the occurrence of pests and diseases in the spring.

Changing pots and supplemental fertilizer

For roses that need to be re-potted, it is recommended to re-pot and re-sod before germination, and add sufficient amount of fermented organic fertilizer to replenish soil fertility. For in-ground roses or roses that do not need to be repotted, if they have not been fertilized in the winter, they should be supplemented with fertilizer now.

Timely water replenishment

Potted roses that were watered less in winter and have dry potting soil should be watered thoroughly and in a timely manner. Ground-planted roses should also be watered to supplement water if the soil is dry.

#2.Southern region

In Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian and other southern regions, roses are in flower at this time. Management focuses on pest control, especially the prevention of black spot disease and red spider. At the same time, maintain sufficient fertilizer and water, and fertilize frequently. When the roses fail to bloom, prune the branches in time, and can be properly re-sheared to control the shape of the plant.

#3.the east-central region

In Zhejiang and other east-central areas, roses are in the rapid growth period of new shoots at this time. If managed properly, roses will bloom more luxuriantly and beautifully in the spring.

Thin Fertilizer

Roses need a lot of nutrients when the new buds are growing rapidly. Insufficient fertilization may result in a large number of new shoots becoming blind and unable to bloom properly. Therefore, in March-April, it is recommended to insist on applying thin fertilizers diligently and avoid using strong fertilizers. Before the roses have buds, you can use a general fertilizer with balanced nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to irrigate the roots every 3-5 days and spray the leaves every 2-3 days. When small flower buds appear at the top of the branches, switch to a phosphorus and potassium fertilizer and irrigate the roots every 5 days or so.

Avoid drought

Roses require a lot of water when new branches are growing rapidly. If there is a prolonged lack of water, it may lead to poor growth and the appearance of a large number of blind branches. You can appropriately increase the frequency of watering in spring, and water when the surface of the potting soil becomes dry, making sure to water thoroughly.

Prevent aphids and diseases

Spring is a time of high incidence of rose pests and diseases, especially aphids, black spot and downy mildew. It is recommended to spray insecticides (e.g. beryllium or thiamethoxam) and fungicides (e.g. carbendazim, pyrimethanil, etc.) every 10-15 days for control. If continuous rainy days are encountered, a top-up spray of fungicides such as zinc diclofenac, pyrimethanil, fusonazole, flusilazole, etc. is recommended after the sky clears to prevent black spot, powdery mildew and gray mold.