Rose Nutrition…

M’m! M’m! GoodDon AdlongSherman, TX

February 5, 2011

pH

• pH is defined as minus the decimal logarithm of the hydrogen ion activity in a solution.

pH

• pH is a measure of the acidity or basicity of a solution.

pH

• A pH of 7 is said to be neutral.

• A pH greater than 7 is said to be basic or alkaline.

• A pH less than 7 is said to be acidic.

pH

• A pH of 6.2 – 6.8 is ideal for growing roses.

• The pH can be lowered by adding sulfur.

• The pH can be raised by adding limestone.

pH

• A proper pH doesn’t guarantee the presence of desired nutrients.

• The importance of a proper pH is to provide maximum availability of nutrients.

Fertilizer

• Primary nutrients that are added to the soil are referred to as fertilizers.

Fertilizer

• Chemical fertilizer – synthetically produced.

• Organic fertilizer – comes from natural sources.

Fertilizer

• Almost all fertilizers, both chemical and organic, tend to lower the pH or make soil more acidic.

• A nutrient is anything that nourishes or promotes growth.

Nutrients

Nutrients

• As much as 95% of a plant is made of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen which are obtained from the air and water.

• All remaining nutrients are obtained from the soil.

Nutrients

• The six most commonly used nutrients after carbon, hydrogen and oxygen are called macronutrients.

• The elements needed by plants in lesser amounts, and rarely devoid in most soils, are called micronutrients.

Macronutrients

• Nitrogen (N)

• Potassium (K)

• Calcium (Ca)

• Magnesium (Mg)

• Phosphorus (P)

• Sulfur (S)

Nitrogen

• Stimulates growth of tall, strong canes , good blooms and rich dark foliage.

Potassium (Potash)

• Promotes root growth and bloom color.

Calcium

• Holds cell walls together and promotes stability and early growth. Makes a sturdier plant.

Magnesium

• Promotes chlorophyll formation and interacts to produce greener foliage and healthy, disease-resistant plants.

Phosphorus

• Stimulates root growth, producing quality plants and big blooms. Also hastens plant maturity adding to winter hardiness.

Sulfur

• Raw material for amino acids and proteins needed for plant health. Also lowers pH.

Micronutrients

• Iron

• Manganese

• Boron

• Copper

• Zinc

• Molybdenum

• Chlorine

Micronutrients

• Only small amounts of micronutrients are needed in a rose’s diet, but a lack of one or more may cause a serious decrease in the availability of macronutrients.

Element Components Of A Typical Plant

• Oxygen 45%

• Carbon 44%

• Hydrogen 6%

Element Components Of A Typical Plant

• Nitrogen 2%

• Phosphorus .5%

• Potassium 1%

• Calcium .6%

• Sulfur .4%

• Magnesium .3%

• This represents 99.8% of the components.

Soil Analysis

• The only way to know the makeup of the soil in your garden is to have a soil analysis performed by a laboratory.

N:P:K

• Most commercial fertilizers contain the three main nutrients needed for growth, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K).

• Nitrogen is expressed as the percent of the single element (N), phosphorus as the percent of phosphoric acid (P2O5), and potassium as the percent of potash (K2O).

*Pelletted Chicken Litter

• N:P:K analysis (4-1-1)

*Alfalfa Meal

• N:P:K analysis – (3-1-2).

• Numerous trace elements.

• Produces great colors and blooms.

*Blood Meal

• N:P:K analysis – (12-0-0).

• Slow release, organic nitrogen fertilizer.

• Excellent additive to a compost pile to aid decomposition.

*Sul-Po-Mag

• 22% sulfur, 22% potash, 11% magnesium.

• Aids in forming plant protein, develop root systems, increase plant vigor and resistance to cold weather.

*Nitron Nature Meal Mix For Roses

• N:P:K analysis – (4-6-2).

• Blended of natural organic ingredients.

• This was one of Blake Hedrick’s favorites.

*Fish Emulsion (WS)

• N:P:K analysis – (5-1-1).

• Numerous trace elements.

*Nitron Sea Grow (WS)

• N:P:K analysis – (1-1-1).

• Contains virtually every trace element necessary for roses.

*Magnum Rose Food (WS)

• N:P:K analysis – (8-10-8).

• Potash, Magnesium, Sulfur, Copper, Iron, Manganese,Molybdenum and Zinc

*Liquid Chelated Iron (WS)

• Iron 5% and Sulfur 3.4%.

*Epsom Salt (WS)

• Magnesium, sulfur and oxygen.

*Miracle Gro Bloom Booster (WS)

• N:P:K analysis (10-52-10).

• Boron, Iron, Manganese.

*Nitron Formula A-35 (WS)

• A-35 acts as a catalyst to unlock the soil, activate and release nutrients in the soil as well those added with fertilizer.

Bone Meal

• N:P:K analysis (1-20-0).

• Calcium.

Cottonseed Meal

• N:P:K analysis (7-2-2).

Fish Meal

• N:P:K analysis (10-2-2).

Feather Meal

• N:P:K analysis (13-0-0).

Seaweed Kelp Meal

• N:P:K: analysis (1-0-8).

Mills Magic Rose Mix

• N:P:K analysis(6-5-1).

• Combination of alfalfa meal. Fish meal, steamed bone meal, cottonseed meal, blood meal, activated sludge and an organic compost activator.

Monty’s Joy Juice (WS)

• Yellow Label: N:P:K analysis (8-16-8).

• Orange Label: N:P:K analysis (2-15-15).

Green Light Super Bloom (WS)

• N:P:K analysis (12-55-6).

• Iron.

Bayer All-In-One Rose Care (WS)

• N:P:K analysis (9-14-9).

• Also contains a systemic insecticide and systemic fungicide.

Osmocote

• N:P:K analysis (19-7-10).

• Time release fertilizer.

Three Big Questions

• What fertilizers do I need to use?

• What dosage do I need?

• How Often do I feed?

What Fertilizer Do I need To Use?

• Check the pH and add necessary amendments to bring the pH into the range of 6.2-6.8.

• Get a soil analysis and add any amendments suggested.

• Use fertilizers that bring the macronutrients into proper balance.

• Ask rosarins with a similar soil for recommendations.

What Dosage Do I Use?How Often Do I Feed?

• Use the manufacturer’s suggested dosage.

• Ask rosarians in your area for their suggestions.

• Experiment on your own as to what works best for your roses.

VERY IMPORTANT!

• In three years time, you should have developed a plan that works for you.

• Once you have a successful feeding program, DON’T CHANGE IT!