Question I read somewhere that it is good to add superphosphate to the soil that one will be planting roses into. I am very busy.. Would you concur that I need to get that? Also any hints you might have on the best soil mixture to use for planting the roses. I live in Los Angeles in mild climate zone. Thank you very much!
AnswerRoses really are not fussy about the soil they grow in. They will contend with even poor soil. What they do want is some nutrients placed on the top where the feeder roots can get to it. The very deep roots are just anchors. I know rose books tell you to add phosphate to the rose hole, but the bacteria have to break it down before the roots can use it and that will take abut 9 months. By then you could have added fertilizer to the top of the soil for the feeder roots. Also it depends on whether or not your soil needs it. I wouldn't worry if you have normal garden soil as the rose will still do well without it. Keep this in mind. When you add rose goodies to the hole, the rose will in time use it up and then the roots will have to use your normal garden soil. It has now been proven that it is best to use normal garden soil and then add fertilizer to the top.
