Roses are, without a doubt, the royals of the flower kingdom. They are beautiful to behold and incredibly rewarding to grow.
Although many may be intimidated by the task of caring for roses, they are actually quite easy to look after, and the pleasure of their gorgeous blooms is well worth it.
If like me, you enjoy a vase full of stunning long stem roses in your house just as much as you enjoy a thriving rose bush in the garden, there are a few simple steps you can follow to easily grow the long stem varieties of this graceful and elegant plant.
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How to grow long stem roses?
First, select a rose plant variety that is known for longer stems. After that, prune them so that a long, clean stem and one main bud remain. They require at least six hours of direct light per day, well-draining soil, plenty of water, and consistent temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (18.3 to 29.4 degrees Celsius).
Select The Correct Rose Plants For Long Stem Growing
Not all roses are suited to long stem growing, so it is best to select a breed of rose known for this trait.
Personally, I recommend hybrid tea roses. These beautiful plants are best known for their strong, straight stems and single buds, which turn into stunning large blooms.
They are available in a vast range of colors and can grow from 3ft to 8ft (0.9m – 2.3m) tall. Hybrid teas are the long stem roses most commonly associated with special occasions.
Other options are the Floribunda and Grandiflora rose varieties, although, unlike the hybrid teas, their blooms develop in clusters.
Floribunda roses have smaller flowers than hybrid teas but more flowers on each stem.
Grandiflora varieties, in turn, have similar-sized blooms to hybrid teas, but 5 – 6 flowers per stem and are known to blossom more frequently than their single-budded counterparts.
These rose varieties are all relatively easy to grow and care for, provided you select a species that can thrive in your climate.
Pruning Roses For Long Stem Growing
When it comes to pruning roses for long stem growing, the first step is to remove all of the plant’s side buds and leave only the main bud at the end of the stem.
By doing this, the plant can channel its available nutrients to the single remaining bud.
A rose’s side buds are usually located in the areas where the leaves join the stem, and extra care must be taken to ensure they are removed gently.
In addition to this, all the lateral leaves and supporting branches should also be removed from the plant.
Criss-crossing branches can damage the remaining stems, and a “bushy” rose is more prone to harbor pests and diseases.
The best time to prune roses is in late winter and early spring when new growth is in full swing.
I also advise deadheading your roses, particularly in the summer, as this encourages growth.
Using sterilized shears, simply clip away some stems (with blooms or buds) below a set of five to seven leaves, at a 45-degree angle.
Best Growing Conditions For Long Stem Roses
Long stem roses are usually grown in greenhouses, where temperatures can be regulated. However, with a little commitment, growing them in the garden is not insurmountable.
Long stem roses can be kept in containers or planted in flowerbeds outdoors.
Roses require at least 6 hours of sunlight per day, so make sure to plant them in a sunny spot that receives ample sun coverage.
As with most plants, they will struggle to grow without sufficient light and will be more prone to rot and fungal diseases.
The ideal climates for roses are areas with spring and summer temperatures of 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 27 degrees Celsius).
In terms of soil, roses need well-draining soil and a little help in the form of compost or manure and fertilizer. Most nurseries and garden shops sell fertilizer specifically for roses.
Just ensure you read the instructions carefully, as too much of these fertilizers can do more harm for your roses.
Finally, roses are thirsty plants, hence the need to water them every 2 days. They enjoy an average of 3 inches (7 centimeters) of water per week for best growth.
The soil moisture level can be tested by a finger test. If it is dry, they definitely need a good drenching.
Together with this, misting the buds twice a week with a spray bottle keeps the buds clean and moisturizing the flower petals once they emerge.
Frequently Asked Questions About How To Grow Long Stem Roses
How do I cut my long stem roses?
Long stem roses should be cut shortly before they open fully (one-third to one-half open), with a clean pair of pruning shears. At the desired stem length, and below a group of five to seven leaves, make a clean cut at a 45-degree angle. The best time to cut your long stem roses is during afternoons, either mid or late, when they have high food and energy reserves. They should be placed in water immediately.
What humidity levels do long stem roses enjoy?
Roses enjoy relative humidity levels, which range from 60% – 70%. In other words, they want their environments to be neither too humid nor too dry. They love water, and they love the heat, but too much humidity can encourage nasty fungal infections and breed pests.
When should I plant my rose bushes?
The best time to plant roses is in May, and at the latest early June, but will vary on the rose species you’re planting. However, I would generally recommend planting time to be during the early spring once the last frosts of the winter have occurred.
Conclusion
Roses are an undeniable treat for amateur gardeners and expert green-thumbs alike. They are infinitely rewarding and, with proper care, will bloom year after year.
These beautiful plants flower quickly and consistently. Indeed, they don’t want for much and yet will yield plenty of rewards.
With a proper pruning schedule and sustenance-rich growing conditions, it is both easy and fulfilling to grow long stem roses.
Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables.