Fertilization Program
by Lonnie Christopher
Presentation at ARS Carolina District Winter Meeting
January 27, 2001

This is the fertilizer program that I use immediately after pruning:

• 14-4-8 fertilizer (this is the only granular fertilizer that I use)
• organic mixture such as Eco-Joy or Mills Magic Mix at 2-3 cups per bush after pruning and again when buds are pea size

Following the pruning fertilization, I use the following fertilization schedule:

• Week one - Miracle Gro for Roses at 1 tablespoon per gallon
• Week two - weak fish emulsion at 1 tablespoon per gallon
• Week three - Epsom salts at 1/4 cup per bush
• Week four - weak alfalfa tea
• Repeat weekly schedule

One week before a rose show, I will use Schultz' Bloom Plus 10-60-10 instead of Miracle Gro. This gives better color and size to blooms. Also speeds up blooming.

Always water plants before applying fertilizer.

Recipe for Alfalfa Tea:

• 8-10 cups alfalfa meal or pellets in 30 gallon container (trash can)
• fill with water and stir once per day for three days
• let set for two days
• apply to roses
• fill and repeat process for a second time.