There is hardly anyone who doesn't enjoy the scent of fresh roses in their home or garden. Their delicate fragrance and charming appearance enrich any environment. And thanks to advances in horticulture and preservation techniques, we can enjoy the wonderful scent of roses all year round.
But how exactly is this achieved? If you ever have specific questions about the flowering cycle and growth habits of the classic rose, then read this article to find the answers. We at Infinity Flowerbox are experts when it comes to the rose, and we have compiled the most important facts and information about its growth cycles.
When do roses bloom?
Roses bloom in cycles. The time between cutting a fully bloomed rose and the blooming of a new bud is referred to by gardeners as the 'flowering cycle'. The flowering cycle of most roses is about 6-8 weeks, with some exceptions.
Most rose varieties bloom continuously, which means they can have several flowering cycles during a season, which usually lasts from May to October depending on the climate. In Southern California, for example, the rose season often starts as early as March, while in equatorial climates, roses can actually be grown all year round. Most commercial roses are grown in such climates because they allow for continuous production.
In most climates, rose plants begin their first flowering cycle after the last winter frost (assuming they have been properly pruned). From then on, you can usually harvest rose blooms every 6-8 weeks until the end of the season.
However, these general rules do not apply to all types of roses. There are three main categories of rose flowering cycles.
Single bloomers
Certain rose breeds only bloom once per season. The most well-known among them is the Carolina rose. This rose species blooms for the first and only time in May and grows wild in many parts of the USA, especially in the South.
Twice bloomers
Even rarer are double-blooming rose species (although some single bloomers occasionally produce an irregular second bloom towards the end of the growing season in late summer or autumn). An example of this rare characteristic are the Damask roses (Rosa damascena), a very popular variant originally from the Middle East. These roses are also unique in that they usually bloom in late summer or autumn. Another, lesser-known variety is the broad-leaved "Quatre saisons blanc mousseux", which literally translates from French to "four seasons sparkling white". As the name suggests, this fragrant bloom is almost always white, although breeders have also grown it in light pink in the past.
Repeat bloomers
The average garden rose is probably a repeat bloomer, which means that you can often harvest several blooms from it before the end of the season. Another classic example is the tea hybrid "Peace", which is very popular with gardeners because its flowering cycle is much shorter than average, at three to five weeks.
Growing your own roses
Now that you've learned a little more about the different types of roses and their different flowering cycles, here are some helpful tips if you want to create your own rose garden.
Planting the roses
There are two ways to start planting roses. The first is with bare-root roses. You should buy these from a mail-order company, keeping a close eye on the ideal planting date. The bare-root roses should be planted immediately after they arrive. They are usually shipped in early spring when the plants are still dormant (before they have shed their leaves).
Upon arrival, bare-root roses look like little more than a bundle of sticks – so they are not dead, just dormant. Make sure the material they are packed in is moist and store them in a cool, dark place until they are planted.
You can also opt for potted roses, sometimes called container roses. These can also be ordered or purchased at a local garden center. They are best planted in late spring, but you can also start planting later in the season – just make sure you water them properly, especially when it gets warmer in the summer.
Watering and pruning
Your roses want to be watered diligently. Under ideal summer conditions, you should water the entire root zone about twice a week.
But don't drown them! Too much water can kill the roses – the soil should be moist, but not have any visible waterlogging.
Fertilizing the roses
We advise against using artificial fertilizers, especially liquid fertilizers, as they promote the growth of undergrowth that can attract aphids and other hungry pests. Instead, you should fertilize the soil of your roses with natural fertilizers or, even better, with compost before, after and during the growing season.
At the beginning of the growing season, usually in May and June, magnesium sulfate can act as a wonderful and natural growth accelerator. One tablespoon of Epsom salts provides the necessary dose. However, a fun alternative source of magnesium can also come from an unlikely source: a simple banana peel.
Banana peels are a natural source of magnesium, sulfur, calcium, and phosphates – all things that roses love and that help them grow faster and better. Bury one or two old, mushy bananas near the bush and watch them bloom.
Real roses that last for several years, from Infinity Flowerbox
We admire anyone who pursues the noble goal of growing their own roses at home, but you don't need your own garden to enjoy their fragrance all year round.
Our specialty here at Infinity Flowerbox are our handmade Infinity rose arrangements, which are 100% real roses grown on our rose farm in Ecuador (and which, as you now know, can be harvested all year round).