BULLETIN NO. 2 41 
HOW TO SUCCEED WITH POTTED ROSES 
These suggestions are based on information supplied by customers who 
have successfully grown roses in pots for several years. As there is 
a wide difference in soil and climatic conditions, proper allowance must 
be made for any unusual conditions in your area. 
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When To Pot Roses 
Arbitrary dates can not be established as this date is influenced by 
local weather, facilities to protect plants in leaf from damaging frosts, 
when you wish to start selling, etc... Unless you have facilities to 
protect from damaging frosts, bushes should not be forced into leaf 
before all danger of freeze damage is past. 
Preparation Of Potting Soil 
It is important that the soil drain well and not cake in pot. If you 
have good friable garden loam, use 4 parts dirt and 1 part (20% to 
25%) fiber (i.e., 1 part sphagnum peat or rotted cow manure). If 
your soil is too heavy, use 3 parts soil, 1 part sand or Terralite or 
Vermiculite, and 1 part fiber. To above, add 10 to 12 lbs. 5-10+5 
fertilizer for each cubic yard of soil. 
Mix well and run through a soil shredder. 
Pruning Bushes 
Prune tops to 6 to 8 inches above bud. Cut roots to 6 to 8 inches. 
Planting Bush In Pot 
Put 3 to 4 inches prepared soil in bottom of pot. Hold bush cen- 
tered in pot with roots spread in all directions (but not folded). 
Fill pot 4 to 2/3 full of prepared soil and carefully tamp it firmly 
around roots. Fill pot to 1 inch from the top with firmly tamped 
soil. Bud should be at soil line or slightly higher. 
Care Of Potted Bushes In Frames 
Frames should be located in a sunny, well drained area protected 
from severe winds. Set pots in frames separated. 2 to 4 inches on 
all sides to provide proper aeration. Soak well with water. 
Cover frames with burlap which hangs well over edges and is fas- 
tened so winds will not disturb. Or, pack clean hay or straw firmly 
around top branches. Keep this burlap or hay moist at all times. 
Do not remove until eyes on most bushes begin to show green. 
It is imperative that high humidity be maintained under burlap! 
Foliar Feeding After Foliage Appears 
Excellent results are secured with the newer water soluble ferti- 
lizers applied as you water the plants. If used as directed on con- 
tainer, root and top growth are stimulated without damage. 
