Technically, you can plant climbing roses in either the spring or the fall. However, if you want to give your roses the absolute best start in your green paradise, spring is the way to go. Here’s a quick guide on why spring planting works so well and what you should keep in mind to get those blooms popping.
The Best Time for Spring Planting
When you’re ready for planting climbing roses, try to pick a mild spring day that isn’t too hot. You’re looking for that “sweet spot” where the threat of a hard frost has passed, but the rest of your garden hasn’t fully leafed out yet. This timing allows the rose to focus on establishing a strong root system first. Once those roots are settled, the plant will ride the natural spring growth surge and sprout with incredible energy. You’ll be amazed at just how fast these hardy plants can take off!
Because they grow so vigorously, there’s one thing you need to plan for right away. As the name suggests, these beauties want to go up! To keep your rose stable and prevent it from damaging your siding or walls, you’ll need to provide a sturdy trellis or support system. It’s much easier to set this up at the same time you plant rather than trying to wrangle thorny canes later on.
Caring for Your New Climbing Roses
Ideally, your garden soil will already be rich enough to support all those gorgeous blossoms. If your soil needs a little boost, you can always help things along with the right fertilizer. Organic options are usually your best bet. For example, try mixing a little compost into the soil right when you’re planting.
Great fertilizer options include:
- Organic matter like compost
- Specialized rose fertilizer
You can start feeding your roses in the spring, but make sure to stop by July. You want the plant to start winding down and preparing for winter; fertilizing too late in the season keeps the plant in “growth mode” when it should be hardening off. In August, you can apply a little potassium magnesia (Patentkali) to strengthen the wood, but after that, put the fertilizer away until next year!
