Roses are typically the star flowers of gardens, but they will only reach their full potential if they are assisted in some way. This is where fertiliser comes in. While many rely on specific shop-bought fertilisers, one simple secret can boost your roses: alfalfa tea. Experts swear by this organic mix for healthier bushes, greener leaves and more blooms
Alex Biggart, brand manager at 123 Flowers, said: “If you want roses that explode with bloom almost immediately and look like they’ve been plucked straight from a royal garden, alfalfa tea is the way to go. It’s packed with natural growth stimulants that give roses everything they need to flourish. It’s like a superfood smoothie for your plants!” So what makes this ingredient so special? Well, alfalfa, a leguminous plant loaded with vital nutrients, contains triacontanol – a “powerful natural growth stimulant”.
When brewed into a tea, this compound is released, feeding rose bushes with a blend of essential minerals and plant hormones that drive vigorous growth and flower production.
Alex added: “Triacontanol is like a wake-up call for roses. It speeds up growth, strengthens stems and dramatically increases the number of blooms. You’ll start noticing the difference in just a couple of weeks.”
Creating alfalfa tea is simple and requires just a few basic ingredients – 10 to 12 cups of alfalfa meal or pellets and 32 gallons of water.
Sharing his method, Alex explained: “Mix the alfalfa with water in a large plastic container and let it steep for about four to five days, giving it a stir every now and then. As it brews, the nutrients break down and infuse the water, creating a potent plant tonic.”
Once the tea is ready, apply it directly to the base of your rose bushes. Alex instructed: “A gallon per large rose bush is ideal, while smaller, miniature varieties need about a third of that amount. You’ll start seeing deeper green leaves and stronger growth almost immediately.”
For an extra punch, Alex suggests customising the mixture with Epsom salts. He explained: “Adding Epsom salts can help with magnesium uptake, and a little chelated iron boosts chlorophyll production, which leads to even more vigorous growth. It’s a great way to supercharge your roses naturally.”
To maximise results, timing is key. The “best time” to apply alfalfa tea is in early spring when your roses are waking up from dormancy and again in late summer to strengthen them before winter.
Twice a year is enough to see “spectacular results”, but if your roses are struggling, an extra feeding in midsummer won’t hurt.
Alex said: “For those searching for a game-changing rose care hack, alfalfa tea could be the answer.
“It’s a no-fuss, natural way to give your roses everything they need. If you’re after show-stopping blooms, this is one trick you don’t want to skip!”