How to grow Chinese roses
Are you curious about Chinese roses, such as how to care for them? Let's take a look together.
Many flower enthusiasts are deeply "addicted" to Chinese roses after seeing others' plants, but they don't know how to care for them. For beginners, there are many things to learn about growing Chinese roses, including when to buy them, the choice of pots and substrates, and most importantly, choosing a reliable seller. This article is a summary based on a flower enthusiast's own experience. If you don't know where to start, this article is for you.
Firstly, I am not an expert or a beginner. I am simply sharing my own experiences and opinions. If there are any mistakes or omissions, please feel free to correct and supplement them. My intention is to provide a reference for beginners, so please don't criticize if you don't like it.
1. First, the season for buying Chinese roses
I have grown Chinese roses in the Guangdong region and in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai. My personal feeling is that in Guangdong, it's better to start in autumn, as the next half-year is the golden time to enjoy the flowers. If you start in spring, the major sellers usually only start selling in March and April, so by the time you get them, it's already summer. The hot summers in Guangdong are not very conducive to growing Chinese roses.
In Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai, spring is the best time. I bought a large batch in autumn this year, but only saw a couple of flowers the whole season. When the temperature drops, the flower buds don't open, especially on young plants.
Note: The best time to buy bare-rooted seedlings is in winter. I prefer to start from young plants and have never grown bare-rooted ones.
2. About the channels for buying Chinese roses
Almost every year, many newcomers post or say in groups that they were deceived by stores in Suqian. While it cannot be said that all Suqian (Q-D) stores are deceptive, most of them, especially those claiming 20 years of experience on (B) platforms with prices of 1.9, are scams. In fact, there are several very reliable large-scale Chinese rose sellers, known to most rose enthusiasts. The fastest way for newcomers is to join Chinese rose groups and ask around, but be cautious of small-scale sellers. It is recommended to find large-scale, widely recognized sellers, even if it's a bit more expensive.
3. About new Chinese roses
I am writing my honest opinion and hope not to be sprayed. I am not into new varieties and advise beginners not to buy expensive ones blindly. Chinese roses are currently dropping in price rapidly. If you are not familiar with them, it's better not to buy hundreds of them. First, your technique may not be good enough, and it would be a waste if they die. Also, some are hyped up, and by the time you buy them and they start flowering, you may find that what you paid a high price for has dropped to a very cheap price.
Of course, if you have money to spend freely, then go for it. I like it! It beats everything. Currently, the normal price for non-new Chinese roses is about 10-20, and you can even find some for 5 or 8. Buying a few to practice is enough for beginners.
4. About the pots and substrates for growing flowers
Chinese roses are not very delicate flowers. I don't think you need expensive red陶 pots, just normal Gal pots are fine. A set of 1-gallon pots with stands is about 3 yuan, cheap and useful. If you have money, you can use Ailes or others, of course. But make sure to use deeper pots.
The substrates vary with each person. Ten people will have ten different mixtures. The principle is: loose and breathable. I prefer to be as economical as possible, but those who like to spend money can do as they wish.
I am a balcony grower and have to consider weight. My own mixture is peat, perlite, and pine bark. I add whatever I have on hand. I don't recommend pure beautiful soil. Some people also grow well with garden soil mixed with nutrient soil and chicken manure.
5. About acclimatizing seedlings (referring to seedlings with soil balls, not bare-rooted seedlings)
My own experience is to plant the seedlings immediately after receiving them if they are healthy. The planting method is as follows:
I suggest putting a filter layer at the bottom of the pot (a layer of ceramic stones or small pieces of foam placed at the bottom of the pot). I'm a bit lazy, so sometimes I do, and sometimes I don't. If not, I place a non-woven fabric at the bottom of the pot (if not available, you can buy the cheapest wet wipes, one pack for one yuan, and place them at the bottom). I must emphasize: it's best not to use those so-called pot bottom anti-leakage nets, which are thick like window screens. They are not cheap on (B). I used them, and when I turned the pot over, I found that all the roots were tangled in that net, and I had to break many roots, which was very frustrating.
After preparing the filter layer or taking anti-leakage measures, put a thin layer of soil at the bottom of the pot, then a layer of organic fertilizer (chicken manure, sheep manure, etc.) on top. I don't recommend cow dung or earthworm manure as they don't have much fertility. Chinese roses need heavy fertilization. After placing the organic fertilizer, cover it with soil. After a layer of soil, start planting the Chinese roses. I suggest not breaking the original soil ball, placing it on top, filling the soil, gently pressing it down, and slightly shaking the pot.
Next, the most important thing is to water the roots well, using a fungicide solution to water thoroughly until the water flows out from the bottom, and then start acclimatizing. Depending on the strength of the seedlings, I suggest starting with morning and evening sun and gradually moving to full-day sun exposure.
Chinese roses like a lot of water, fertilizer, and sun. Full-day sun is best, but a lot of water doesn't mean watering constantly. It's best to water when the soil is dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot and death. Ventilation is also very important for Chinese roses. It's best to keep them outdoors, or if not possible, make sure the balcony is well-ventilated. Without ventilation and full sun, it's hard to grow them well.
6. About choosing Chinese rose varieties
If you have space, you can choose any variety. I am a balcony grower with no space, so I wouldn't choose climbing varieties. Most climbing varieties grow rapidly and only bloom once in spring. Balcony growers have no space and can't afford it. I once grew a climbing variety, which grew rapidly and strongly, but didn't bloom for half a year, so I gave it away.
I also wouldn't recommend varieties with poor blooming characteristics and large sizes. Balcony growers have limited space, so I tend to choose varieties that bloom well, are not too large, and are strong. It's easier for less strong varieties to get sick in a balcony environment. By the way, always have fungicide at home. Spraying the leaves periodically can prevent powdery mildew and black spots.
I feel a bit tired after writing, but I hope it can help some beginner flower enthusiasts.
The above sharing on how to grow Chinese roses (for beginners' reference) is a detailed introduction. I hope everyone likes it!