When to Fertilize Roses

Q. Now that it's getting hot, my roses have stopped blooming. Should I keep feeding them or wait until the weather cools and they start blooming again? Can it hurt them when feeding in temps over 100?

A. Roses are typically fertilized three times a year and avoiding months when it’s hot in Las Vegas, (June, July, and August). For convenience I suggest fertilizing on three holidays when cooler: Valentine’s Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day.

Rose fertilizers are typically high in phosphorus (middle number which in this case is 12). You can use any high phosphorus fertilizer as long as it has some nitrogen and potassium in it. Continued use of high phosphorus fertilizers are not the best idea, So substitute high nitrogen and high potassium fertilizers in the spring and fall months to push growth and keep it healthy.

            On the Valentine’s Day soil application, include your favorite iron fertilizer as well. If you apply iron to the soil, only one application is needed. Generally, do not fertilize any plants during the hot months. If fertilizer must be applied during these months, apply it at half strength.