When to Fertilize Roses for Continuous Blooms? Expert Guide

As roses gradually move into full bloom, many gardening enthusiasts become confused: is it necessary to continue fertilizing at this time?

As we all know, flowering consumes a lot of plant nutrients, and it is important to maintain an adequate supply of fertilizer. However, some people believe that fertilizing during the flowering period will cause the flowers to wither early and shorten the viewing time. Which is correct? Let’s explore this question together.

Do roses need constant fertilization?

Roses are fast-growing, heavy bloomers with high nutrient requirements. Interestingly, even such a “voracious” plant has times when it doesn’t need to be fertilized.

Many gardeners follow the principle of stopping fertilizing when the buds begin to show color to avoid shortening the flowering period due to excess phosphorus and potassium. This practice does apply to certain flowers, such as hydrangeas, begonias, peonies and other single-season bloomers.

But for continuous bloomers such as roses and petunias, the situation is quite different. When the first flowers bloom, the plant is still nurturing new buds. If you stop fertilizing at this point, subsequent buds may yellow and fall off due to lack of nutrients.

Fertilizing strategies for different varieties

There are many varieties of roses with very different blooming characteristics, and fertilization methods should be adjusted accordingly:

Single-headed flowering varieties

• Flowering is usually neater if winter pruning is done properly
• After most of the buds have shown their color, a single application of phosphate and potash fertilizer is enough to stop the process.
• Then wait for the flowers to bloom.

Multi-flowered varieties

• The buds open at different times
• It is recommended to keep fertilizing until the last buds show color.
• In fact, Blue Demon suggests keeping fertilizer on the whole process because:
  • • The first blooms have already consumed a lot of nutrients.
    • It is unlikely that there will be an overabundance of nutrients.
    • Continuous fertilization helps the blooms to develop fully

An interesting phenomenon: the flowers of multi-headed roses tend to get bigger and bigger, which is the result of a continuous supply of fertilizer.

Fertilizer recommendations for the bud stage

Fertilizer choice

• Phosphorus and potash fertilizers, preferably with trace elements
• Recommended products:
  • • Flower Duo 2
    • Must Bloom
    • Miracle-Gro Flower Fertilizer
• Economical choice: Potassium Phosphate

Tips for use

• Dilute strictly according to the instructions
• Blue Demon suggests using a slightly less concentrated solution than recommended (some rose varieties are more sensitive to fertilizers)
• In addition to liquid fertilizers, solid fertilizers can also be used in conjunction with them

For more detailed information on how and when to apply fertilizers, please refer to the professional advice in the Complete Guide to Rose Cultivation.