January is the time to buy bareroot roses and to move established roses, if needed. Keep your bareroots moist at all times. February - Activities are similar to January, but now is the time to make sure all newly planted roses are starting to sprout. However, if plants have an inch or more of growth, dormant spray should not be applied at full strength. Full strength will cause burning and stunted growth.
Diseases start to appear on the newly developing foliage.
This is a good time to clean out all center growth to allow good air movement, followed by a fungicidal spray. This is also the month to start fertilizing your roses. Use a high nitrogen fertilizer to promote good leaf growth. Slow-release fertilizers can be applied at this time. We suggest Scott's Osmocote with minors.