Ask Ludwig

Fertilising pointers

Anna van Blerk of Kroonstad writes I recently acquired some ‘Garden Queen’ roses; please advise on when and how to fertilise them?

Ludwig replies Generally, fertilising starts in August, especially if it was not done in July when roses were pruned, and is carried out monthly until the following April. If your roses were planted in well-composted soil, allow them to settle in and only start fertilising after two months.

Apply a rose fertiliser such as Vigorosa (5:1:5), which contains a balance of macro-nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) as well as Epsom salts, lime, boron and humic acid. Roses need 30g once a month and larger shrub roses and climbers need 60g; always water well after fertilising. It is recommended that you stop fertilising in May to allow your roses to go dormant.

CONTACT ludwigsroses.co.za