7 Steps to Planting Bare-Root Roses

7 Steps to Planting Bare-root RosesWelcome back to Rose Friday. Rose Friday is our weekly series where we discuss how to care for roses. Last week, we talked about the two different types of roses, container roses and bare-root roses and when the best time is to plant them at How to Care For Roses.

Have you been wondering how to plant bare-root roses?

This week we are going to look at how to plant bare-root roses, and we are going to do it in 7 steps. You will be able to plant your roses quickly and easily by breaking this process into the following comprehensive steps.

  • Step 1
    According to Roses by James Underwood Crockett and the Editors of TIME-LIFE BOOKS, if you are unable to plant your bare-root rosebush right away, it is best to use the technique called “heeling in”. Heeling in is digging a slanted hole that is just deep enough to cover the bush with the soil. After that, soak the heeled in bush in water.
  • Step 2
    If you are able to plant your bare-root rose bush as soon as you bring them home from the nursery, first soak it in a bucket of water that has about 3 handfuls of soil in it for 3 hours. Make sure the knuckle-like bud union is below the water line. This will help the water to fuse to the roots during planting.
  • Step 3
    Location, location, location. All-America Rose Selections states that it is best to pick a spot in your garden where the roses could get at least 6 hours of sunlight. Once that spot is found, you will want to dig a hole that is 18 inches wide by 18 inches deep. Then, form a coned shaped mound of soil at the bottom of the hole.
  • Step 4
    Lay your bare-root rose on the mound. Depending on your climate, you will want to position the bare-root rose differently. In warm climates, you want the bud union at ground level. In colder climates, you want the bud union below ground level by 1 to 2 inches.
  • Step 5
    The next step is to fill in the hole with more soil. Once the hole is full, carefully step onto the hole and firm the ground with your feet.
  • Step 6
    After have compacted the soil with your feet, fill the hole with water from a gentle hose. Only fill the hole so that the water is trickling over the sides. In order to protect the plant from the sun and wind before growth, create a 6-8 inch height mound of soil and water it periodically.
  • Step 7
    The last a final step is to install rootsticks. The rootstick will ensure that oxygen, nutrients and water get to the root zone and your rose bush will flourish.

With these easy 7 steps, you will be on your way to that beautiful rose garden you have always dreamed of. Please make sure to come back next week as we will be discussing How to Plant Container Roses.

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