How often must roses be watered?
A question I am often asked is ‘how often should I water my roses?’. This depends on the type of soil, the temperature and the amount of sun and shade the roses receive. This might sound complicated but it is really just common sense. Here are some general guidelines:
Consider the weather.
Water daily when day temperatures are above 35°C, every second day when temperatures are between 28°C and 35°C, twice weekly when temperatures are between 22°C and 27°C and weekly when lower temperatures prevail. Generally, 30 to 40 minutes of watering will allow enough water to reach the roots.
For set to water daily, the duration should not be less than 15 minutes, otherwise the water will not penetrate below the surface. Remember that 15mm of rainfall is equivalent to one good watering. Anything less than that means that watering is still necessary. Use whatever system suits your garden; irrigation, overhead watering or drip irrigation – as long as enough water is reaching the roots. Constantly check your irrigation system for blocked nozzles and to make sure that the water is reaching the roses. Be aware of dry spots along the irrigation line.
Watering
irrigation systems early in the morning or late in the afternoon
is most effective (less evaporation, more absorption), and the leaves will dry off during hot summer nights so there is no danger of fungal disease. On very hot days, roses will appreciate overhead watering at midday to cool down the environment and the leaves.
Once a month, scrape away the top layer of soil to
into the soil; if it’s dry to the touch, then the water hasn’t penetrated far enough. Adjust your watering accordingly.
The should allow immediate water absorption. Compacted soil or water running off sloping beds are the two most likely reasons for water not being absorbed. Loosen compacted soil by digging in organic material (see first question above left) to improve friability.
For roses on a slope, place a concrete ring or build up the soil on the sloping side of the rose to retain the water.
penetrated check how far the water has condition of the soil