Description

Height: 7-12 feet Germination Time: Approximately 40 days Blooming Season: Early, mid, and late summer Sun Requirements: Partial shade to full sun

Description: Climbing roses are favored for vertical gardens, though they differ from true climbing plants like vines because they lack their own support structures. They require assistance and a vertical surface to cling to and grow upon.

Interested in cultivating climbing roses? Consider purchasing a trellis or arbor to provide a suitable structure for growth. Alternatively, you can creatively train them over fences, pillars, garden sheds, or other yard structures.

How to Germinate/Grow: Growing roses from seed isn’t the quickest method but can be highly rewarding. Each type of rose has specific needs, but there’s a general method to successfully cultivate and plant rose seeds for future growth.

Cold stratification involves exposing seeds to approximately 35 degrees Fahrenheit. You can achieve this by placing seeds inside a folded, moistened paper towel (half purified water and half bleach) in a zip-lock bag. Store them in the cold for 45 to 60 days. After stratification, plant seeds in a mixture of 50% planting soil and 50% vermiculite, placing them half an inch apart in shallow trays with good drainage. Provide direct sunlight or use grow lights for 16 hours daily, keeping the soil moist with regular watering. The appearance of the third leaf signals the true rose leaf. Once seedlings have two or more leaves, transplant each into a 3-inch plastic pot, ensuring they receive direct sunlight or grow lights. Apply half a teaspoon of Miracle-Gro per quart of water to aid growth.

How to Grow:

1. Test seeds before planting by placing them in water; discard floaters as they may be hollow.
2. Purchase a flat container suitable for refrigeration; consult your gardening center for recommendations.
3. Mix equal parts sand, soil, and peat moss or buy a premade mix.
4. Fill the flat with the sand, soil, and peat moss mixture.
5. Plant each rose seed ¼-inch deep and space them 1 inch apart.
6. Refrigerate the flat at about 40 degrees F for three months to germinate.
7. After refrigeration, move the flat to a sunny window where room temperature is 65 to 70 degrees F. Water lightly, ensuring soil doesn’t dry out excessively. Transplant the healthiest seedlings to the garden the following spring.

Note: Roses thrive in humus-rich soil with good drainage. Avoid overwatering and ensure soil is dry before watering to prevent root rot. Fertilize sparingly, especially in summer, to prevent burning seedlings. Prune in fall to maintain shape and prevent excessive growth and flowering. Watch for aphids and take preventive measures as needed.