Valentine's Day is just around the corner but it's not too late to give the gift of growing!
Why buy roses for Valentine's Day when you can 'Grow Your Own'?
Dandy's Organic Bordermix Topsoil is perfect for growing roses and brightly coloured flowers, so if your loved one is looking for something a little different this year then give them a gift that keeps on giving...
How to...
Check out these basics on how to grow and care for your new roses:
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Seed and Rose Hip. Seeds will take around 6 to 8 weeks to germinate before you can plant out so bare this in mind. You can get seeds from your own rose hips and although the process can be quite lengthy it means you can create more of the same roses you know and love and even make hybrids!
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Where. Roses crave sun, at least six hours a day is ideal so a nice sunny spot in your garden will be perfect - don't forget you can plant in containers and beds.
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Topsoil. Plant roses in rich, well-draining soil like our Bordermix Topsoil. This rich mix is a blend of screened sandy loam and well rotted horse and chicken manure (mushroom compost).
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Mulch. We love Mulch at Dandy's and stock a few that are perfect for roses and flowers alike. Landscaping Bark, Composted Much Fines and Mushroom Compost are some of our favourites. Coarse mulch helps reduce foliage diseases on roses because it reduces the amount of water splashing onto leaves.
Dandy Tip: Rose beds love Dandy's Mushroom Compost (organic well-rotted Horse and Chicken Manure) - use as a mulch around the based of your flowers for a constant source of food and to suppress weeds!
- Water. Irrigate roses deeply but infrequently, applying water directly to soil using soaker hoses or drip irrigation. Of course watering needs will vary based on weather so water often enough to create consistently moist soil – not overly wet, not bone-dry. To prevent diseases, keep foliage dry, especially if you must water late in the day.
- Inspect. Check roses frequently for insects or disease outbreaks. Catching problems early makes them easier to treat.
- Prune. Roses need regular pruning - be careful with thorns!
Go Bananas!
Did you know; a dose of phosphorus promotes flowering? Phosphorus is readily found in banana peels and many rose lovers rely on these provide a bit of phosphorus to plants, using two to three skins weekly per rose plant! Put bananas to work for you with one of these methods:
- Chop banana peels and bury beneath a rose (in the area beneath leaves, but not against the stem). Dig carefully to avoid disturbing roots. Bury peels about 4 inches deep to stop them being dug up by animals and birds.
- Pulverize peels in a blender, adding water if needed. Allow the solution to sit for 15 minutes. Apply directly to soil beneath your roses. Toss any solid residue onto your compost pile.
When to plant...
The best time to plant roses is during their dormant season from late winter (as long as there is no ground frost) to early spring. So around Valentine's Day is the perfect time!
Why roses?
In Greek and Roman Mythology it has been believed that the rose was created by the goddess of love, Aphrodite. According to the legend her tears mixed with the blood of her lover, Adonis, watered the ground from where the Red Roses grew. It was then a symbol of love until death.
Most of the roses we see today can be traced back to the late 1700s, when they began to trickle into Europe. The rose's meaning of love stems from the Victorian era, when floral bouquets studded with these blooms were used to deliver a message to love interests.
The colour red traditionally represents passion, so red roses given as a gift is a visual representation of this, but there are over 300 species of roses including rainbow and black which are replacing tradition on Valentine's Day!