Hi all, I am brand new to this site (my first post too , so first of all GREETINGS from the middle of GA. Here are a few of my questions: I just purchased about 20 rose bushes from a discount store, the canes and coloring etc. on these looked great, well developed canes and dark green coloring, no black canes at all..and they have been waxed. Some also have had some shoots sprout off them...I think that you are supposed to pinch those off before planting is that correct? My next question is how long can I keep them in their plastic bags safely before planting and is there an "IDEAL" time to plant? Where I"m located there is not really any signficant freezing...no snow and when our temps do drop down below freezing, it's for at most 5-6 hours in the early mornings and doesn't usually last more than a day or two in a row...then the typical daily temps are in the 40's and 50's and it's not at all unusual to get temps in the 70's this time of year. I appreciate any suggestions on this.
With your weather and since the soil isn't frozen, I'd plant them now before it warms up. When I plant bareroot plants, I do trim off the new growth, as I usually plant them in February. Any new growth that is there would be pruned off in March at pruning time anyway. And it's nice to meet you!
I know that bareroot stock should be planted shortly after you receive it from the grower. The plants should be in the ground long before the buds start to swell. If bareroot stock is available in your area, I'd guess that it's the right time to be planting it, and I wouldn't wait too long. I always use a root stimulator when planting anything (from trees to annual flowers) as it helps to prevent transplant shock. There are several brands on the market (I use a liquid by Fertilome) and any one will help get your plants off to a good start).
Welcome first, I am below you an I don't pinch them off. In fact most all the roses are now trying to get buds on them in preparation for there March spring flush. I would get them out of those bags an soak the roots in some water (plain) for overnight at least. Perhaps place them in a garage or somewhere that if the temps fall it won't cause the water to freeze in the night. I wouldn't take them indoors where it is warm. They have already been hardened off an is use to the outside elements. This will rehydrate them (no telling how long they've been without a good drink). When planting them add at least some good compost, it can be bagged. I like mushroom compost an its easy to get down here at your local farm supply. If you have an aged homemade compost pile u can go with that. A good shovel full will be fine per rose. An mix it in with your native soil. You want the roses to get adapted to our native soil. Be sure you plant them where they will get at least 5-6 hours of full sun daily. Water them every 2-3 days til established. Figure a couple weeks, maybe 3. Even if we are in for a freeze, don't worry. The roots after being watered will not be able to go below 32*. Water the soil only, not the canes or foliage once they start growing. Then fertilize following the directions according to which ever fertilizer you go with.
