When To Fertilize Roses in Texas? (Best Time)

Roses must be fertilized at key times for vibrant and stunning blooms.

So, start fertilizing your roses in March (early spring) when new growth begins. Then, fertilize every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season. For David Austin roses specifically, the recommended dose is twice yearly.

Don’t apply fertilizer from 6-8 weeks before the first frost date.

Let me explain this fertilizing schedule to you!

Best Time To Fertilize Roses in Texas:

As roses are heavy feeders, they require consistent fertilization throughout the growing season.

Let me break this down for you:

• Start fertilizing in March (early spring) when the danger of frost has passed.
• Then, fertilize every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season.
• Stop applying fertilizer 6-8 weeks before the first frost date.
• For David Austin roses specifically, it is recommended to fertilize them twice a year.
• Once in late March (or early April), then in early July after the first flush of flowers.

Now, you might be wondering why the fertilizing schedule differs for people.

Some fertilize every two weeks, while others apply once a month. Both get stunning blooms. What’s the deal?

My advice to you is to keep things simple.

Start your fertilization in early spring as your roses come out of dormancy. Then, follow the schedule as recommended by the fertilizer.

For example, I fertilize once a month during the growing season when I use Espoma Organic Rose-Tone.

But BioAdvanced All-In-One Rose and Flower Care fertilizer (another great product) recommends fertilizing every six weeks.

So, follow the instructions, and you will be good to go.

Let me summarize all this for you:

Let me explain this to you.

First Application | Early Spring

As the weather begins to warm up in Texas, it’s time to feed your roses.

This is the time when new growth begins.

Specifically, you can fertilize anytime after February 14th in South Texas.

I recommend you fertilize for the first time in March. However, you may have to wait till early April in the North.

According to experts, this is when the leaves first start to open (fully).

Therefore, fertilize for the first time when you notice visible signs of growth.

This takes us to the next application.

Next Application | Every 4-6 Weeks

Roses love to eat.

As they are heavy feeders, they require a consistent supply of nutrients to thrive.

So, what to do?

Fertilize every 4-6 weeks in the growing season.

Remember, it is very important not to overfertilize as it will do more harm than good.

So, for the best application rates, fertilize them according to the instructions on the fertilizer package.

For example, the Espoma Organic Rose-Tone fertilizer recommends one application per month.

Therefore, it is best to feed them once a month with this organic dose.

Your roses will love that!

This takes us to the next point.

David Austin Roses:

These beautiful shrubs do well in Texas.

The schedule mentioned above will work well for your roses.

However, David Austin roses differ slightly.

David Austin Rose Food, specially formulated for them, recommends fertilizing twice a year.

Once in late March (early April) before the leaves are fully open.

The next dose is in early July after the first flush of flowers. This is to encourage repeat flowering.

Simple!

When NOT To Fertilize:

The rule is simple.

Stop fertilizing 6-8 weeks before the first average frost date.

This is because any new growth just before winter is vulnerable to damage.

Not good!

So, it is best to let your roses rest as they have to store energy for the upcoming season.

In this way, we will prepare them for winter dormancy.

Tips for Growing Roses Successfully in Texas:

Here are my top tips to successfully grow stunning roses in Northern and Southern Texas.

Pick a Suitable Variety:

Fortunately, some rose varieties tolerate the Texas heat better than others.

1. Cathedral Bells

Their ability to handle the summer heat and humidity of Texas surprised me.

This rose has an amazing fragrance and a unique, pale pink-lilac color.

For best results in summer, make sure that they get plenty of water and shade.

Install 60% shade cloth over them for the summer months.

This takes us to the next variety.

2. Double Delight Rose:

This large-flowered hybrid tea rose has a strong fragrance.

They do well in heat and their beautiful red tone refuses to fade in summer.

As we discussed earlier, proper shade and water are a must for them to produce stunning blooms.

The disease resistance and repeated blooms of the double delight rose are worth mentioning.

This takes us to the next rose variety.

3. Polka Rose:

The soft pink to more apricot blooms of the Polka rose are incredible.

The big blooms and incredible scent are what make this fast-growing climber a great choice for Texas.

Here are some other tips to successfully grow roses in Texas:

• Install 60% shade cloth over them for the summer months.
• Stop deadheading 8-10 weeks before the first frost.
• Stop fertilization 6-8 weeks before the first frost.
• To prevent diseases such as black spot, water in the morning.

This takes us to the next point.

Wrapping Up:

The intense heat of Texas can be challenging.

But if you fertilize, water, and provide them shade in the hot summer months, you can successfully grow roses.

Therefore, start fertilizing your roses in March (early spring) when new growth begins. Then, fertilize every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season.

If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch.

You can check out these guides as well:

Do Hydrangeas Grow in Texas? YES! Grow These Two

Fertilizing Hydrangeas in California | In-Depth Guide

Best Time To Fertilize Roses in California