Planting Your Bare Root Roses

You got your roses and now it’s time to plant them. Fear not! Follow these simple steps and your roses will be set up for success.

Step 1: Soak the Roots (skip this step if you stored them using the “Heel In” method)

Fill a bucket with water and soak the bare root roses for a minimum of 2 hours before planting. This rehydrates the roots and promotes healthy growth.

Step 2: Choose the Right Location

Select a planting site that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily and has well-draining soil. Avoid areas where water puddles after rain as excessive moisture can lead to root rot.

Step 3: Prepare the Soil

Prepare the soil by removing any weeds, rocks, or debris. Loosen the soil to a depth of at least 30 cm (12 in.) and incorporate organic matter such as compost or aged manure to improve soil structure and fertility.

Step 4: Dig the Planting Hole

Dig a hole that is wide enough to accommodate the spread roots and deep enough to allow the graft union (the swollen area where the stems meet the roots) to sit just below the soil surface. The hole should be approximately 45 cm (18 in.) wide and 30-45 cm (12-18 in.) deep.

Step 5: Planting the Rose

Place the bare root rose in the center of the hole, spreading the roots evenly around. Creating a small mound of soil at the bottom of the hole can help keep the rose in position when backfilling. With the roots spread, now would be a great time to sprinkle mycorrhizal fungi over the roots (optional). Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the roots to eliminate air pockets. Ensure that the graft union is positioned correctly and is buried approximately 5 cm (1 in.) beneath the soil.

Step 6: Watering

After planting, water the rose thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots. Provide enough water to moisten the soil to the depth of the roots. Continue to water regularly, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Congratulations, you're finished... for the meantime. Now you can prepare for your roses growing journey!