When should I plant my bare root rose?Updated a month ago
Bare root roses are planted during your dormant season, before warm spring temperatures take hold. This strategic timing allows your roses to establish their root systems ahead of the growing season. But how do you figure out the right window for planting? That's where your location and growing conditions come into play.
A great starting point is the USDA Hardiness Zone map, which divides regions into 13 zones based on average minimum temperatures. (Not sure what your growing zone is? Find out here.) While it's helpful for understanding your climate, it's not the final word on planting times—there are so many other factors at play! I've learned over the year that weather patterns, microclimates, and even the quirks of an unpredictable season can influence the best time to plant.
Here's a quick guide to Felicia's recommended bare root rose planting windows by zone:
Zones 9-13: January to Late February
Zone 8: Mid to Late February
Zone 7: Early to Mid March
Zone 6: Mid to Late March
Zones 4-5: Early to Mid April
Zone 3: Mid April to Early May
The best way to nail down the ideal planting time for your location is to diligently track your local conditions and keep good notes in a garden journal. Be sure to add details like temperature trends, frost dates, and your planting dates gives you invaluable insight for future seasons. With good notes season after season you'll figure out your sweet spot for planting bare root roses in your location.
If you're new to bare root roses, it's best to follow the recommended planting windows above for your first few seasons. Planting too late can expose your roses to warmer spring temperatures, making it harder for them to establish strong, healthy roots. While those tempting end-of-season sales might be hard to resist (we've all been there!), planting outside the ideal timeframe can jeopardize your roses' success—and may end up costing you more in the long run.
For flower farmers or those growing in controlled environments like tunnels or greenhouses, you can set aside the guide above and start planting earlier than the recommended dates for your zone. A warmer, controlled environment allows you to treat your growing conditions as if they were one to two zones higher than your actual zone.