As one of the nation’s favourite blooms, gardeners are constantly searching for new ways to increase the number of roses in their gardens. But the flowers can quickly become troubled if their needs aren’t met.
Gardeners are typically advised to feed roses twice a year, with proper timing being crucial.
The feed should take place in late March or early April, as this is when the plants begin to grow, according to gardener Michael Griffiths.
This helps ensure the roses receive the nutrients they need to thrive.
Some roses benefit from pruning at the end of winterGETTY
He explained: “The best time to fertilise roses if you want loads of flowers, is now in early spring.
“Prior to flowering is the perfect time to feed them."
Though there are many different ways to feed the plant, Michel prefers a controlled-released feed.
This means all the nutrients are released at the optimum times. Gardeners can use soil temperature and moisture levels to determine their plant's exact needs, however.
A soil test will reveal the existing levels of the nutrients in the soil, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as pH levels.
"There are a number of feeds out there but I am lazy and like to go with a controlled-release food which will feed your roses all summer long with one application," explained Michael.
“Clear any debris and weeds around your roses. Measure your feed out to make sure you’re giving your plants the right amount.
“Pour it all around the base of your roses and then lightly agitate the soil, if you’re not expecting rain soon, lightly water in."
Roses will grow prolifically when fed the right ingredients GETTY
To promote more growth in climbing roses, gardeners may benefit from bending the plant's stem and tightening the stems against a structure for better flowering.
In a TikTok clip, the Cornish Home explained: “Did you know, with climbing roses, they benefit from being strapped down quite tight? It helps them to bloom more.
“Don’t do it so tight that they can get a wound, even bending them can make a difference.”
The technique uses gravity to trap flower-inhibiting hormones at the tips and forces more flower production along the canes, which enables every bud eye at every leaf node along the arched cane to produce a new stem and flower cluster.
