How to grow roses
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Most flower gardeners grow at least one type of rose. Roses come in many different varieties, colors, and sizes. THey are a beautiful flower which symbolizes love. The rose is also America's national flower.
You can start to grow your own roses by either first buying one at your local nursery, or you can grow a rose by propagation. Propagation is growing a rose by using a cutting from an existing plant. This is started by first getting some fresh cuttings from a friends's or family member's healthy rose plant. Choose a container, such as a large flower pot, that has plenty of holes in the bottom. Roses need good drainage at all times.They do not grow well when their roots are standing in water. Add a layer of sand or small rocks in the bottom of the container to help with the drainage. Next, add another inch or two of loose, organic material. Finally, add enough potting soil to come within a couple inches of the top of the flower pot.
Now, choose a healthy looking cutting. Carefully snip off the bottom of the cutting, right below the lowest leaf. Cut the bottom at an angle. This will enable the cutting to absorb the water and the nutrients that it needs to grow better. And finally, stick the cut bottom into the container that you have prepared. Place the container in a sunny spot and water it often.
This is now the part that takes the most time--waiting for it to grow. It will take up to a month or so for the cutting to grow a good root system on it. It all depends on the cutting and its conditions. When the cutting has grown roots, you will be able to see the roots throuhg the holes in the bottom of the container. At that time,you will need to transplant the tiny rose into a bigger container so it has plenty of room to grow and flourish even more.
You can then plant your rose outside in an appropriate place. A good place to plant your rose is in a spot where it will get at least six hours of full sunshine everyday. Make a hole big enough so that the roots of the rose plant have plenty of room to grow and spread out. Place small rocks or sand in the bottom of the hole to provide good drainage for your rose. You can add fertilizerif you want to, to help the growth, but it is not necessary because the rose plant will get the nutrients it needs from the soil, as long as the soil is not depleted. Loosen up the dirt before putting it back into the hole, and then plant your rose. Water it often to first month or so.
When your rose plant gets big enough, it needs to be pruned every spring. You can do this by cutting off the dead leaves and branches, and cutting off any suckers that the plant might have on it. After you prune your rose, you should fertilize it well. Check for pests, too. If you find that your rose has any, buy a good bug repellent at your local lawn and garden store.
Your rose plant will continue to grow and become bigger and more beautiful every year. Do not forget that you can share your rose with friends, neighbors, and family memebers by giving them starts of it.
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