HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU ARE ORDERING A QUALITY PLANT?
Bare root roses are available in 3 different grades #1, #1.5, and #2
The #1 grade is given to the best rose stock like the English rose I had in segment. They must have at least 3 vigorous canes, are a ⅜ inch diameter, and are at least 15" inches tall.
#1.5 has 2 canes and is shorter.
#2 bare root has 2 canes, shorter, and you can see the quality of the roots and stems are not as beefy as the #1. #2 roses are what you will usually find in home improvement centers at a discount price.
WHAT DO YOU DO WITH YOUR BARE ROOTS WHEN YOU RECEIVE THEM?
If you can't plant them within 24 hours, you will have to prepare the roses for storage.
To store for 1 week or less, take bare roots and soak the roots for a couple of hours and put back in the plastic bag it came in, close it tightly and place in a dark cool room. Check every few days to make sure the roots have not dried out.
To store up to 1-2 months, you need to "HEEL IN" your roses outdoors in a trench, or in a large bin.
Fill the bin with compost, or moist peat moss, and stuff your roses in it at an angle, covering almost all the way through.
Water to moisten the soil and place in garage, or covered patio until ready to plant. Check moisture level of soil periodically
PLANTING
In mild climates with no freezing temps, you can plant anytime during the winter or early spring as long as soil is not saturated from rain,
In cold climate areas, wait until your soil has thawed and no more threat of frost and then you can plant!
Bare root roses will start to leaf out in about one month and after 12 weeks you can enjoy the first flowers!
If you have a rose variety that has repeat blooming, you can enjoy flowers throughout the summer!
Shirley’s Roses were Ordered from DavidAustinRoses.com
