As the mercury climbs and roses have already begun their blooming period, it is important they get the nutrients they need as the temperature rises. Without the proper nourishment as temperatures soar, roses may yield a disappointing number of buds, with some failing to unfurl into blooms, resulting in a lacklustre plant.
Yet, gardening expert Nell Foster, the brains behind Joyus Garden, has divulged a nifty tip for feeding roses to promote a riot of luxurious flowers. Nell said: “You need to feed annuals and roses two or three times during summer. They flower like crazy and need the nourishment to keep them flowering away.”
There’s no call for harsh chemicals or pricey concoctions; Nell advocates a straightforward organic blend that promises to sustain rose bushes in their season of splendour.
What to feed roses in the hot weather
Included within this mix are natural minerals that spur on growth, ensuring your roses erupt into more exuberant and frequent blossoms.
Chicken manure gives roses nitrogen and phosphorus — the latter amplifying flower quality and hue — along with potassium, which bolsters a richer tapestry of blooms.
It’s paramount to opt for well-aged or fully composted manure since freshly sourced organic fertilisers could be too strong, posing a risk of scorching delicate rose roots.
This straightforward fertiliser naturally enhances growth by providing a balanced mix of nutrients and improving root water retention, which helps prevent the roses from drying out.
How to use organic fertiliser for roses
Next, apply a thin layer around the roses, ensuring the mixture doesn’t touch the stem or any part of the plant.
After application, give your roses a thorough watering, as this aids in dissolving the nutrients into the soil.
Administer the fertiliser once every two months (approximately every eight weeks) from late spring to late summer to guarantee larger and more vibrant rose blooms throughout the flowering season.