Q&A for How to Grow Roses from Seed

It is best to start germination during the winter months. If you want to transplant out in the spring, start the stratification process at least 120 days before your last frost date in the spring.

I've been growing roses organically for 15 years. They get black spots, but it doesn't kill them: I just remove the affected leaves by hand when I see them. You can spray afids off the roses with a jet of water, or flick them off with a finger nail, but mine get eaten by visiting birds who do the job for me!

Summer is the best time to plant rainbow rose seeds. If you need to plant them out of season, try keeping them somewhere in direct light.

No, not always. This is because of cross-pollination. The same flower may be visited by several bees or other insects carrying pollen from several different sources. You may still get similar-looking flowers, though, because they will still have the same mother plant in common.

This is a fungus called black spot. Left untreated, it can cause all the leaves on your roses to turn yellow and fall off. It will also affect nearby plants, as it spreads by spores. Remove ALL INFECTED material and throw it away or burn it. Do NOT leave it on the ground as this fungus is very hardy. It can survive winter and travels very easily, even after being removed from the affected plant. Spray your plants regularly (bi-weekly) in the growing season with a good fungicide (I like the Bayer products). You can also add a little bit of dish soap and baking soda to a spray bottle with water and spray the entire plant.

Rainbow rose seeds do not in fact really exist, but with some materials, you may be able to stimulate a rose to have petals in a rainbow-like appearance.

If they have not sprouted, it doesn't matter. The root will naturally grow downwards. If you are stratifying them and they have sprouted, place the sprout-side down (this will become the roots).

The answer is pretty much always the same, no matter where you live. The rule of thumb is to start them indoors, 4-6 weeks before the last frost. After the last frost of the season, you can transplant the seedlings outdoors.

While most roses exhibit smells, some species are bred for color and shape instead of scent. Your roses may fall into this category and look beautiful but lack a characteristic rose aroma.

Yes, the process is the same, but remember, when planting seeds from a hybrid, the plants are rarely ever true to type. This is because of the complex hybridization process, involving a lot of different genetics. You can plant a hybrid tea seed and what grows is anyone's guess.

My grandmother mulched her rose plants with aged cow manure every spring and they did beautifully.

Aphids, beetles of various types, spider mites, caterpillars, rose stem borers which look like tiny larva, and rose midges can all damage rose flowers.

T5 florescent bulbs. Fixtures and bulbs can be purchased most anywhere that has a grow center with growing supplies. And online: just enter T5 grow lighting, and many sources will appear. Price is your guide. Keep in mind that T5's produce hardly any heat: depending on the temperature in your grow area, you may have to set up a miniature greenhouse to create and maintain proper temperature and humidity levels. This is true for any plants started from seeds or trimmings.

Wait. They may look tempting when they are full and green, but they will eventually turn darker as they mature.

All roses may be attacked three major diseases: Black Spot, Rust, and Powdery Mildew. Although all three can attack in any climate, some areas are more susceptible to one of the three than to the other two. That is why, for example, a "disease-resistant" rose in California may be "disease-prone" in Virginia. Most rose sprays available in stores will address all three of these major diseases. You must be a diligent gardener, and spray your roses at least once every 2 weeks, or else one or more of these diseases will disfigure or destroy your white rose.

Horse manure is considered the best, though sheep manure and rabbit droppings can also be used.

Yes, refrigeration is still recommended.

I only put one seed to each small container to start them out, and I may combine two or more when I transplant to larger pots.

The answer is pretty much always the same, no matter where you live. The rule of thumb is to start them indoors, 4 - 6 weeks before the last frost. After the last frost of the season, you can transplant the seedlings outdoors.

You will only water the roses once they are almost dry. Once the rose seeds sprout, you can take them and plant them in soil.

Theoretically speaking you can, but I recommend that you plant your roses in season. If you're going to grow them off season, I recommend doing so in a greenhouse.

Usually you don’t have to refrigerate, but check the package. It will tell you what you need to do.

It should tell you on the package. If not then there’s really no way to know.

Depends on the size of the hole. You should plant only one seed in a 2x2 centimeter gap.

No. But you can purchase ladybugs and release them at night (so they won't fly away). They will then feast on your aphids.