M 
Siteeo eo NL ROSES” 31 
SOIL 
Roses prefer a fairly heavy slightly acid soil, although they will grow in 
almost any well drained ground. They will not grow well in a soil where there 
is an excess of either acid or alkaline. As most of our soil in California is more 
or less alkaline, it is quite necessary to use some substance to acidify the soil. 
Sulphur at the rate of % lb. per sq. yd. twice a year is very beneficial. 
PLANTING 
Several weeks in advance of receiving the plants, it is advisable to spade 
your beds at least 18 inches deep if you wish the best results. Incorporate in this 
soil, alfalfa leaves, bean straw, well rotted manure or some other desirable 
material for humus. At planting time make a cone shaped mound in the center 
of the hole and place the crown of the roots on the apex of the mound. Spread 
roots to cover as much surface as possible. Fill just above the roots with surface 
soil and tramp down firmly. Fill hole with water two or three times so as to close 
up any air pockets that there might be. After the water has settled, the hole may 
be filled up level. Be sure to have bud union level with the surface or slightly 
above the ground. Plants have been moderately pruned ready for planting. 
PEST CONTROL 
Roses, like all other plants, have pests and diseases which may be controlled 
with a little effort. The most common of the diseases are mildew, rust, and in 
some sections, blackspot. In a warm climate dusting lightly once a week with 
a mixture of nine parts of dusting sulphur to one part of arsenate of lead will 
control these diseases. 
In a cool climate excellent results have been obtained by spraying every 10 
days with one bottle cap of Greenol and 1 tablespoon of summer oil per gallon 
of water. Whether you dust or spray, do its consistently every week or ten days 
during the growing season. The pyrethrum or rotenone sprays may be added 
to the Greenol summer oil combination for control of aphids or may be used 
separately as desired. 
WINTER SPRAYS 
A clean-up spray after pruning consisting of 10 tablespoons of either Bordeaux 
or Lime Sulphur to one gallon of water is very effective to clean up the mildew 
and rust spores. Old leaves should be picked up and burned. 
CUTTING ROSES 
When cutting roses, leave three or four buds (above each leaf is a bud) of the 
new wood. Cut to an outside bud so as to keep the plant open which will help to 
prevent mildew and rust. 
Cut roses either late in the evening or early morning. Split or mash stems 
and plunge immediately in deep water up to the neck. Allow to stand for several 
hours to absorb water. Single roses should be cut in tight bud when color is just 
beginning to show between opening sepals; double roses as they start to unfurl. 
SWEENEY, STRAUR & DIMM, HORTICULTURAL PRINTERS, PORTLAND. ORE 
