Most of the containerized rosebushes seen in garden centers are bare-root plants that were grown in the arid western states, shipped to marker areas, and potted by a local grower. The local grower holds the plants until foliage and blooms appear. This is a simple process and can be done in a small area with little equipment.

Getting Started

Choosing a site:
Rosebushes need full sun for best results. A site that receives full sun and is relatively flat should be selected. Four square feet should be allocated for each rosebush. The area needed for production should be covered with a ground cover material.

Irrigation:
Overhead sprinklers could be used for production, but disease problems would be reduced with a drip irrigation system.

Choosing the plants:
Rosebushes are graded according to the size and number of canes. Grades are #1, #1 ½, and #2 with #1 being the best. The breeder also patents rosebushes. The newest varieties will cost more because a patent fee must be paid to the breeder. Non-patented varieties are usually older varieties whose patents have expired. Patent or non-patent does not reflect on the quality of the plant. Orders for bare-root plants should be place with a wholesale grower by September of the year preceding planned production.

Planting the crop:
The local grower should receive bare-root plants in January or February. Upon arrival the plants should be immediately planted in 10 inch or 3-gallon plastic pots. A soil mixture of ground pine bark, sand, and peat with limestone and micronutrients should be used. This potting mixture could be prepared by the student or purchased from a supplier. A time-release fertilizer similar to Osmocote should be used. Read the label for recommended rates. Pots should be heavily irrigated at planting. Rosebushes are grafted plants. It is important that the graft on the plant be above the soil line. Three large and healthy cans should be pruned to 8 inches above the graft. All other canes should be pruned off. Any broken roots should also be pruned.

Winter protection:
The amount of winter protection varies according to the area of the state. In southern Georgia placing the pots in a pot-to-pot arrangement may be all the protection needed. A woven material as a covering may be needed in cooler area. In northern Georgia, an unheated cold frame may be needed. As nighttime temperature gets above freezing, winter protection should be removed and plants spread on two-foot centers for finishing.

Finishing the crop:
Root growth will begin within two weeks of potting. Rosebushes can be sold as rot growth and foliage appear. Most consumers prefer to buy plants when buds and blooms are present.

Pests:
Rosebushes are susceptible to aphids, thrips, black spot, and powdery mildew. Roses should be scouted for pest problems and preventative measure are suggested.

Written by Myron Sellars, 2002

Marketing:
As with any business, marketing plans should be made before the crop is planted. The grower may sell directly to the consumer or to a garden center. Selling to the retail consumer can increase profit, but may also require advertising and greater labor requirements.

A license from the Plant Protection Division of the Georgia Department of Agriculture is required for the growing and selling of ornamental plants.

Rose Culture for Georgia Gardens available at www.ces.uga.edu/pubc/6671-w.html

Weeks Roses available at www.weeksroses.com

2002 Georgia Pest Control Handbook available at www.ent.uga.edu/pest2002