How Much Epson Salt Do You Use When Planting Roses?

Supplement New Rose Plantings

• When planting new roses, apply one cup of Epsom salts per rose bush. Sprinkle the salt in a circle 12 to 18 inches away from the base of the rose bush after planting. Water well. Roses require one to two inches of moisture a week.

Established Roses

• To maintain the growth and vigor of established rosebushes, add one rounded tbs. of Epsom salt to one gallon of water. Pour the mixture around the root zone of your rosebush monthly. Epsom salt, also known as hydrated magnesium sulfate, is composed of approximately 10 percent magnesium and up to 13 percent sulfur. Magnesium is the important part of the product. It's required for seed germination while improving the rosebush's ability to absorb sulfur, phosphorus and nitrogen. In North America, sulfur is rarely lacking in garden soil. Sulfur is adequately provided by acid rain.

Epsom Salts Encourages Plant Growth

• Fay Cook, a rosarian with the Kern County Rose Society in Bakersfield, California, advises, "Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) applied to rose bushes in the spring encourages the bush to produce those welcome basal breaks. Basal breaks are new canes which develop low on your plant near the bud union (these are not suckers which will grow below the bud union). Of course, these new canes are highly desirable. And, Epsom salts really work." In England, gardeners have traditionally relied on the mineral to produce bushier rosebushes with vibrant, deep green foliage. Mix three tsp. of Epsom salts in one quart of water. Place in a spray bottle and use to mist foliage weekly.

Container Planting

• Many varieties of miniature, dwarf and small-sized roses lend themselves to container planting. In the spring, prepare a mixture of three tsp. of Epsom salts, one quart of liquid organic fish emulsion and five gallons of water. Pour three cups of liquid around the base of container planted rosebushes. The tonic will encourage foliage growth and firm, well-developed buds and flowers.