Autumn planting
Autumn planting of rose seedlings — the key to early flowering.
Tips for successful wintering
Autumn in the Baltics is a magical time to plant roses!
Mildly cool weather with frequent rains creates ideal conditions for rooting. Roses planted during this period will have time to adapt before frosts, and in spring they will start growing with double strength.
In the Baltic climate, roses overwinter well if they are properly protected.
- Even beginner gardeners can successfully grow them by following the simple steps described above.
- All that is required is to plant the rose correctly and provide adequate winter protection. The rest the plant will take care of on its own.
We have prepared a detailed guide to help you plant roses correctly in autumn and ensure excellent wintering in our climate.
Autumn planting of roses has distinct advantages:
- The soil retains sufficient moisture after summer, which supports root establishment.
- With early autumn planting, roses have time to take root before winter and begin growing immediately in spring.
- With later planting, roses remain safely in the soil throughout winter, and as soon as the first warm days arrive, the root system begins active development — ensuring a strong start.
- Plants are not exposed to heat stress or drying out, making care easier.
- Flowering begins earlier than in roses planted in spring.
Autumn is the perfect time to gift your garden with new roses!
Will roses survive the winter?
YES!
- The optimal period for the Baltic region is September to December (up until stable frosts set in).
- A practical guideline based on weather conditions: daytime temperatures remain steadily between +5°C and +10°C, while nighttime temperatures drop to 0 °C to -2°C, but the soil is not yet frozen.
- If planted about 10−12 days before the onset of persistent autumn frosts, roses will have time to root, harden, and overwinter well under air-dry protection.
When to Plant Roses in Autumn?
Recommendations:
- Roses can thrive in the same location for many years, so it is very important to carefully choose and prepare the planting site.
- For autumn planting, it is essential to provide young rose plants with proper air-dry winter protection. This ensures they overwinter successfully and resume growth immediately in spring.
Preparing the Seedling for Planting
- Before planting, remove the packaging material and gently clean the roots from the substrate.
- Carefully inspect the seedling and prune any damaged or decayed roots, if present.
- Autumn-specific step: Before planting, soak the seedling’s roots in water for 6 to 12 hours. This allows them to rehydrate after storage and prepare for rooting. Optionally, you may use a root growth stimulator solution (according to the manufacturer’s instructions), which can be very beneficial for a quick start.
How to Store Rose Seedlings Before Planting?
Rose seedlings from Usmas Rozes are already prepared for planting and packed in a moist substrate that prevents root desiccation.
Important!
Make sure the substrate in the packaging does not dry out; moisten it if necessary.
- The best option is to plant the seedlings in your garden as soon as possible after receiving them.
- If planting is delayed, this is absolutely fine: seedlings can be stored for 1−2 weeks indoors, in a shaded and cool location.
Important!
Make sure the substrate in the packaging does not dry out; moisten it if necessary.
Planting the Seedling
- Place the seedling in the center of the planting hole, spreading the roots evenly.
- Make sure the roots are not bent upward, and the shoots are positioned vertically above the soil surface.
- Gradually backfill the root system with loose soil, gently firming it down with your hands as you go.
In autumn, watering is best done in two stages:
- After planting and backfilling the seedling with soil to ground level, carefully firm the soil around it and water generously.
- Once the water has fully absorbed, lightly compact the soil again, water a second time, and, if necessary, add more soil to level the surface.
For one plant, about 10 liters of water is sufficient. In rainy weather, the amount of water can be reduced.
Important:
- Ensure that the graft union of the rose is buried about 5 cm below ground level.
- Water only after firming the soil, as this improves root-to-soil contact and helps prevent the roots from freezing.
- Do not add nitrogen fertilizers to the planting hole in autumn (they stimulate growth, which is undesirable in fall).
Preparing the Planting Hole
Roses prefer well-drained, aerated soil that is slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH level of 5.5−6.5.
- Dig a hole according to the size of the seedling’s root system. The average planting hole dimensions are about 40×40×40 cm.
- The depth of the hole should be such that the graft union of the rose seedling is positioned about 5 cm below ground level. This protects the plant from frost in winter and from overheating in summer.
Features of Autumn Rose Planting
Autumn planting of roses in the Baltic region takes place in two periods:
Each stage has its own specifics for planting and preparing for winter. To ensure successful rooting and survival through the cold season, it is important to follow the appropriate care for each period.
- Early — September and the first half of October;
- Late — the second half of October through December (planting can continue until the soil freezes).
Each stage has its own specifics for planting and preparing for winter. To ensure successful rooting and survival through the cold season, it is important to follow the appropriate care for each period.