How to Grow Roses: 10 Essential Care Tips + 2 Secret Hacks

Roses have earned their title as the "Queen of Flowers" for good reason—they are elegant, fragrant, and beautiful. If you’re passionate about gardening, chances are you’ve dreamt of growing roses in your garden.

But if you’ve hesitated, thinking roses are hard to grow, here’s the good news: that’s a misconception! With the right guidance, anyone can grow and maintain beautiful rose plants. This guide breaks it down into 10 practical tips, plus 2 bonus secrets to give your roses a blooming boost.

 

Tip 1: Choose the Right Roses—Bare Root or Container?

When buying a rose plant, you’ll usually come across two types:

Container Roses: These are already potted and ideal for beginners. They’re easy to transplant and establish quickly.

Bare Root Roses: These come dormant and without soil. If you choose these, soak the roots overnight and keep them moist after planting.

Beginner tip: Start with container roses to make your rose gardening journey easier.

Tip 2: Don’t Repot Immediately

Many gardeners make the mistake of repotting their new rose plant right away. Doing this can cause transplant shock.

 

What to Do Instead:

Keep the plant in partial shade for 3–4 days to let it adjust.

When repotting, do not remove all the original soil—just gently tease the roots.

After repotting, water it thoroughly and keep it in the shade for a few more days.

This step reduces stress and helps your plant settle in smoothly.

Tip 3: Ensure Good Drainage & Pot Selection

Roses hate soggy roots! Your pot needs to allow excess water to drain.

Best Pot Choices:

Clay pots are best for breathability and temperature control.

Cement pots: These are Durable and great for large rose bushes.

Avoid plastic pots if you’re placing them in full sun, as they retain heat and can harm roots.

Also, make sure there are enough drainage holes at the bottom.

Tip 4: Use a Rich Potting Mix

Roses are heavy feeders, which means they need nutrient-rich soil.

Create a Perfect Mix With:

Garden soil

Compost (cow dung, vermicompost)

Coco peat or peat moss

Steamed bone meal—a great slow-release source of phosphorus

Pro Tip: One handful of bone meal supports flowering for months!

How to Test & Adjust:

A pH meter is used to check your soil.

To acidify, mix 10g of alum in 1 L of water and water your plant with it after 15 to 30 days.

The small change can make a big difference in nutrient uptake and overall plant health.

 Bonus Tip 2: Use Mustard Cake Tea or Tea Dust

These kitchen-based natural fertilizers are rich in micronutrients.

How to Use:

Soak mustard cake overnight, strain, and use the water for your plant.

Sprinkle used tea leaves  no sugar or milk around the base as a slow-releasing fertilizer.

They boost flowering naturally and improve the soil's organic matter content.

Quick Rose Care Summary

 

| Category           | Key Points |

Sunlight         | 6–8 hours direct sunlight daily |

Watering         | Morning only; moist but not soggy |

Soil & Mix       | Rich in compost; well-draining |

Fertilizer       | Every 2 weeks (organic or chemical) |

Pruning           | Light annual prune in early spring |

Pest Control     | Weekly neem oil spray |

Deadheading      | Remove faded flowers promptly |

Soil pH          | 6.0–6.5 (slightly acidic) |

Conclusion:

Growing Roses isn’t hard It’s Just about knowing How

With the right guidance and just a little regular attention, anyone can grow roses—whether in a small balcony pot or a spacious backyard garden.

 

 It starts with the basics: be patient and enjoy the process. At least you see your first rose bloom; you’ll realize how rewarding this journey can be.