How to plant
Rose seedlings are currently planted in spring, summer, and autumn. The timing of planting determines the level of care required for the rose, and each season has its own specific considerations.
Choosing a Planting Site for Roses
Roses remain in the same location for many years, so it is especially important to carefully choose and properly prepare the planting site.
Roses are sun-loving plants and grow best in open, sunny areas. The ideal location receives plenty of sunlight throughout the day, is well-ventilated, yet protected from strong gusts of wind.
Avoid planting roses near trees or large shrubs, where they would have to compete for water and nutrients — such competition can negatively affect their growth and flowering.
It is crucial that the soil is well-drained. Water stagnation around the roots may lead to root rot and, ultimately, the death of the plant.
A properly selected site is the key to healthy growth, abundant blooming, and the longevity of your roses.
Roses are sun-loving plants and grow best in open, sunny areas. The ideal location receives plenty of sunlight throughout the day, is well-ventilated, yet protected from strong gusts of wind.
Avoid planting roses near trees or large shrubs, where they would have to compete for water and nutrients — such competition can negatively affect their growth and flowering.
It is crucial that the soil is well-drained. Water stagnation around the roots may lead to root rot and, ultimately, the death of the plant.
A properly selected site is the key to healthy growth, abundant blooming, and the longevity of your roses.
Soil Preparation
Roses prefer well-aerated and well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ideally between 5.5 and 6.5.
It is not recommended to plant roses in areas with a high groundwater level. The groundwater should be at least 1.5 meters (approximately 5 feet) below the surface.
Before planting, the site must be properly prepared:
Important:
Fertilizers should ideally be added in advance — at the end of summer or 2−3 months before planting.
If you are preparing the soil immediately before planting, it is best to avoid fertilizing, as this may harm the young roots.
It is not recommended to plant roses in areas with a high groundwater level. The groundwater should be at least 1.5 meters (approximately 5 feet) below the surface.
Before planting, the site must be properly prepared:
- For medium loamy soil: loosening with a garden fork is sufficient.
- For heavy clay soil: dig to a depth of 30−40 cm (12−16 inches).
- Remove all weeds and leftover root debris.
Important:
Fertilizers should ideally be added in advance — at the end of summer or 2−3 months before planting.
If you are preparing the soil immediately before planting, it is best to avoid fertilizing, as this may harm the young roots.
Preparing the Planting Hole
It is best to prepare the planting hole in advance, before receiving your rose seedlings.
Dimensions and Depth
For clay or nutrient-poor soils, the hole should be deepened to 60−80 cm and the native soil should be partially replaced with a fertile soil mix.
If the area is prone to waterlogging, place a drainage layer 10−15 cm thick at the bottom of the hole, using crushed stone or expanded clay.
Dimensions and Depth
- The standard size of the hole is approximately 40×40×40 cm, but you should adjust it according to the size of the seedling’s root system.
- The depth should be calculated so that the graft union (bud union) sits about 5 cm below soil level after planting — this helps protect the plant from frost damage in winter and overheating in summer.
For clay or nutrient-poor soils, the hole should be deepened to 60−80 cm and the native soil should be partially replaced with a fertile soil mix.
If the area is prone to waterlogging, place a drainage layer 10−15 cm thick at the bottom of the hole, using crushed stone or expanded clay.
Preparing the Rose Seedling for Planting
Ideally, rose seedlings should be planted on the same day they are received.
If planting is delayed, store the seedlings in a shaded area and ensure that the substrate inside the packaging remains slightly moist. If needed, gently moisten it.
Prune the shoots:
If planting is delayed, store the seedlings in a shaded area and ensure that the substrate inside the packaging remains slightly moist. If needed, gently moisten it.
- Before planting, remove the packaging and carefully clean the seedling from the substrate. Inspect the roots, refresh the cuts on all root tips, and trim any blackened or damaged roots back to healthy tissue.
- Soak the roots in clean water for 2 to 4 hours (no longer than 24 hours). Optionally, you may use a root growth stimulant according to the product instructions.
Prune the shoots:
- In spring — cut back to 3−5 buds (approximately 20−25 cm).
- In autumn — cut back to 25−35 cm.
Planting the Rose Seedling
Place the seedling in the center of the planting hole at a slight angle.
To determine the correct planting angle, hold the seedling against a vertical surface (such as a wall) so that both the root tips and shoot tips touch the wall simultaneously. This is the angle at which the seedling should be positioned in the hole.
Important: The graft union (the point where green shoots emerge) must be planted 5 cm below soil level.
Gently spread out the roots
Important: Watering should only be done after the soil is compacted — this ensures good root-to-soil contact and helps eliminate air pockets around the roots.
To determine the correct planting angle, hold the seedling against a vertical surface (such as a wall) so that both the root tips and shoot tips touch the wall simultaneously. This is the angle at which the seedling should be positioned in the hole.
Important: The graft union (the point where green shoots emerge) must be planted 5 cm below soil level.
Gently spread out the roots
- Ensure the roots are not bent upward and lie freely in the planting hole.
- Gradually backfill the hole with loose soil, lightly pressing it down with your hands as you go.
- Once the hole is filled to ground level, firmly tamp down the soil around the seedling (you can gently press the soil with your foot).
- Water the plant thoroughly in several stages, using approximately 10 liters of water per bush.
Important: Watering should only be done after the soil is compacted — this ensures good root-to-soil contact and helps eliminate air pockets around the roots.
Final Stage
Once the water has been fully absorbed, add more soil to level the surface around the seedling’s root system.
You may form a shallow basin around the base of the plant — this will help direct water straight to the roots during future watering.
Since soil tends to settle over time, make sure the graft union does not become exposed.
For autumn planting:
Hill up soil around the seedling, completely covering the shoots. If necessary, provide additional protection using frost cloth or spruce branches. This will help protect the plant from winter frost.
For spring planting:
Mulch the soil around the bush. Mulching helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, improve soil structure, and protect the roots from overheating in summer.
Suitable mulch materials include grass clippings, straw, or wood chips.
You may form a shallow basin around the base of the plant — this will help direct water straight to the roots during future watering.
Since soil tends to settle over time, make sure the graft union does not become exposed.
For autumn planting:
Hill up soil around the seedling, completely covering the shoots. If necessary, provide additional protection using frost cloth or spruce branches. This will help protect the plant from winter frost.
For spring planting:
Mulch the soil around the bush. Mulching helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, improve soil structure, and protect the roots from overheating in summer.
Suitable mulch materials include grass clippings, straw, or wood chips.
Care for Roses After Planting
Newly planted roses require watering regardless of the season.
Watering:
Proper watering is essential for successful root establishment.
During the first two weeks after planting, water the rose daily but moderately — about 2−3 liters per plant.
Water slowly to allow it to soak into the soil — this ensures good root-to-soil contact and helps eliminate air pockets.
After the initial period, adjust the watering frequency based on soil moisture levels and weather conditions.
Important: Irrigation should be regulated according to the rate of moisture evaporation from the soil.
Soil Loosening:
Regularly loosen the soil around the plant to prevent crust formation and to improve aeration of the root system.
Sun Protection:
In hot weather, provide shade for young seedlings. Intense sunlight can scorch tender, newly unfurled leaves.
Watering:
Proper watering is essential for successful root establishment.
During the first two weeks after planting, water the rose daily but moderately — about 2−3 liters per plant.
Water slowly to allow it to soak into the soil — this ensures good root-to-soil contact and helps eliminate air pockets.
After the initial period, adjust the watering frequency based on soil moisture levels and weather conditions.
Important: Irrigation should be regulated according to the rate of moisture evaporation from the soil.
Soil Loosening:
Regularly loosen the soil around the plant to prevent crust formation and to improve aeration of the root system.
Sun Protection:
In hot weather, provide shade for young seedlings. Intense sunlight can scorch tender, newly unfurled leaves.
Recommendations:
Do Not Fertilize Young Roses During the First Year After Planting
If the soil was not prepared in advance — 2 to 3 months prior to planting — it is not recommended to apply fertilizers immediately before planting or to feed the plant during its first growing season.
During this period, the rose focuses its energy on rooting and developing a strong root system. Excess nutrients can do more harm than good, potentially causing weak shoot growth or root damage.
In the first year, it is sufficient to use root growth stimulators in moderation, strictly following the manufacturer’s instructions. This will support the plant’s adaptation to new conditions and promote healthy long-term development.
Important: Monitor air temperatures in spring.
In case of a risk of late frosts, temporarily cover the shoots to protect the plant from cold damage.
If the soil was not prepared in advance — 2 to 3 months prior to planting — it is not recommended to apply fertilizers immediately before planting or to feed the plant during its first growing season.
During this period, the rose focuses its energy on rooting and developing a strong root system. Excess nutrients can do more harm than good, potentially causing weak shoot growth or root damage.
In the first year, it is sufficient to use root growth stimulators in moderation, strictly following the manufacturer’s instructions. This will support the plant’s adaptation to new conditions and promote healthy long-term development.
Important: Monitor air temperatures in spring.
In case of a risk of late frosts, temporarily cover the shoots to protect the plant from cold damage.