Transplant Timing - The Optimal Occasion To Transplant Roses
December 1st, 2008

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When is the best time to transplant roses? This question generates almost as much controversy and discussion among dedicated Rosarians as the subject of proper pruning methods. Although every experienced gardener has their own set of rules for how and when to transplant, there do exist certain guidelines that novices can follow with success. It's a good idea to keep a gardening journal where you can write down the dates of when you transplanted your roses, and then track their progress. This type of observation, more than anything else, will give you a clear sense of the best times to transplant in your particular climate.

As a general rule, the optimal time to transplant roses is during their season of dormancy. For those in northern cold-weather climates, this period generally falls at the end of the winter season. For those in warmer, milder climates, transplanting can usually be accomplished successfully in late fall or winter.

Bare root transplants can be planted at any time of year, as long as the temperature does not fall below freezing levels. Rose transplants cannot survive at 10 degrees below 0 F. Container grown roses can also be transplanted at any time of the year, although early spring is best. Planting container grown roses in the fall may not allow them enough time to develop and strengthen their root systems before the winter frost.

Even though conventional wisdom dictates that roses should be transplanted at the close of winter when the plants are dormant, do you really have to wait until then, or is it possible to transplant during the growing season? In fact, you can transplant roses during the growing season, and even during hot summer months.

If you do decide that you must transplant your roses during the growing season, be prepared to take several precautions in order to ensure the least traumatic transplant experience for your roses. To transplant during the active growing season, take these steps:

Water the plant thoroughly the day before you plan to transplant. By drenching the plant's root cells, they will be more apt to survive the trauma of transplant.

Prepare the planting bed before you begin the transplanting process. Make sure the location gets an adequate amount of sun, air circulation, and that the soil is rich in nutrients, with a generous mixture of peat moss and organic matter.

Transplant as soon after your roses have been dug out of the ground. You should prepare the new location well before removing the transplant in order to limit the amount of time that the root ball is exposed to the heat and dry air. If this is not possible, make sure the plant is kept in a cool and dark location. Exposing the plant and roots to the sun and heat may damage your roses permanently.

As soon as your roses have been transplanted, water thoroughly. Roses require a lot of water during the growing season, and this is especially true if they have been recently transplanted.

Wait until new growth develops before you fertilize. Fertilizing at the time of transplant is risky because the fertilizer may be too concentrated for the vulnerable roots. Instead, wait until you see new growth, and then fertilize lightly.

Be aware that if the rose plant you want to transplant is wilted or doesn't seem at its peak of health, it's best not to transplant during the growing season. Your roses must be healthy and strong in order to survive and thrive after the trauma of transplant, especially if you decide to transplant during the growing season. Also, keep your eye on the weather. Never transplant on days of extremes, where the weather is exceptionally hot or windy.

Roses can add a beauty and elegance to your garden that is unmatched by almost any other plant. Before you even start to consider when to transplant, think about where you would like to plant. An optimal planting location for your roses would be a spot where your roses will receive six hours of sun each day, be protected from freezing temperatures, receive adequate air circulation, and where the soil is rich and gets good drainage. Remember that roses have extensive root systems, so give your plants lots of room to grow and spread

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