Organic Rose Fertilizers: Safe Summer Feeding
Recently, I shared some tips on how to fertilize “Golden Celebration” roses after they bloom in a video, and subsequently received many questions from fellow flower enthusiasts: “What kind of fertilizer should I use for roses in summer?”
Now that summer has arrived, temperatures are gradually rising in most regions, and the second wave of rose blooms often fails to reach its full potential, resulting in a noticeable decline in aesthetic appeal. Therefore, fertilization during this season requires extra caution.
Three Key Points for Summer Rose Fertilization
1. Observe the plant’s growth condition
Before fertilizing roses in summer, first observe the plant’s growth condition. Different rose varieties have varying heat tolerance, and many varieties grow significantly slower or even stop growing in high-temperature environments.
- If the rose is growing slowly → Stop using quick-release fertilizers (such as high-nitrogen water-soluble fertilizers) to avoid stimulating the plant and causing excessive stress.
- If the roses are growing vigorously (e.g., climbing roses) → Continue using fast-acting water-soluble fertilizers to promote branch growth and prepare for autumn blooming.
2. Adjust fertilizer concentration
During summer heatwaves, the growth rate of shrub roses typically slows down, so the fertilizer concentration should also be adjusted accordingly.
- Reduce the concentration of quick-release fertilizers (e.g., 1:1500 instead of 1:1000) to avoid issues like black stems or root burn caused by excessive nutrient strength.
- During extreme heat (35°C+), it is recommended to suspend quick-release fertilizers and switch to milder fertilizers.
3. Choose mild, slow-release organic fertilizers
During summer, roses have slower metabolism and are better suited for mild, long-lasting organic fertilizers, such as:
- Fermented chicken manure
- Fermented sheep manure
⚠ Note:
- Avoid using slow-release fertilizers (high summer temperatures can easily cause fertilizer damage).
- Fertilization method: Spread around the edge of the pot or lightly bury, do not pile near the roots, as this may cause black stems.
Want to learn more?
If you wish to systematically learn about year-round fertilization strategies for roses, you can refer to the fertilization chapter in the book *Rose Care: From Beginner to Expert*, which will help you avoid common mistakes and ensure your roses grow healthy and vigorous!
