This calendar should be used as a guide only. Everyone has their own favorite way to keep their roses blooming and it great shape.
January
- Prune roses back approximately one-half, except for climbers. Remove foliage. Clean up all debris (leaves and petals) and discard in trash.
- Spray a fungicide bi-weekly to prevent powdery mildew. Spray the canes and the ground around the rose bush.
- Deep water roses at least once a week.
- Plant new bare-root roses. Newly planted roses should be kept moist but not wet.
- Weed beds.
February
- Finish pruning roses.
- After you finish pruning apply two-three inches of mulch.
- Continue spraying for mildew. Spraying also helps to stop the aphids.
- Water roses every week.
- Keep weeds under control. You can apply preen granules to help control weeds.
- In late February, apply merit to your gardens. This is to prevent thrip damage to the roses.
- Fertilize roses with a dry slow-release fertilizer.
March
- Continue spraying roses with a fungicide.
- Increase watering as roses start growing and temperatures rise.
- Established container roses can be planted now.
- In late March, start fertilizing with a water soluble fertilizer.
- Add two – three inches of mulch.
- Spray or pull weeds, if necessary.
April
- Continue spraying as needed.
- Water roses three times a week. Use a water soluble fertilizer.
- Start hosing off the roses at least two-three times weekly. This will keep pests away and will help to keep the roses clean. Also, you can spot potential problems by doing this.
- Start deadheading.
- Spray or pull weeds.
May
- Water roses deeply three or more times a week. Check watering systems to be sure everything is working properly.
- Deadhead the roses.
- Spray or pull weeds when needed.
June
- Water roses well watered during the week.
- Middle of June, fertilize with a dry slow release fertilizer. Apply at half strength.
- Apply preen granules this month to help with weeds.
- Continue washing down roses two-three times a week.
- Continue deadheading.
- Watch for spider mites.
July
- Water roses three or more times a week.
- Continue deadheading.
- Spray, if necessary.
- Spray or pull weeds.
August
- Continue deadheading.
- Water roses well watered during the week.
- Spray weeds.
September
- Continue to water roses deeply.
- Continue deadheading.
- Fertilize with a dry slow-release fertilizer. Return to full strength.
- Start fall pruning. Prune roses back about one-third. Clean up debris.
- Spray or pull weeds.
October
- Continue to water well and deeply.
- Continue fall pruning.
- Spray roses with a fungicide to help prevent mildew.
- Plant potted roses.
- Check out the web sites and local Nurseries for new roses.
November
- You can cut back on watering as temperatures cool.
- Deadhead roses.
- Spray weeds.
December
- Start winter pruning in late December.
- Reduce watering.
- Spray weeds.
- Clean and sharpen pruning and planting tools.