Will Ammonia Harm Rose Bushes?

Ammonia as Fertilizer

• While ammonia is indeed a chemical, the compound does come from nature, and ammonia is present in many kinds of animal dung. Sulphate of ammonia has been used as a chemical fertilizer for hundreds of years. "The Book of Roses," originally published in 1866, lists "sulfate of ammonia" as a good fertilizer for roses that provides necessary nutrients. The book lists horse manure and shavings from horse stalls as a source of ammonia-rich fertilizer for roses.

Ammonia Insect Control

• Ammonia controls many insects that like to target roses, such as Japanese beetles, aphids and whiteflies. Gardeners can even make an organic pest control spray for rose bushes using household products, including ammonia. To make this spray, mix seven parts water to one part household ammonia. Mix and pour into a spray bottle to spray onto leaves.

When Not to Use Ammonia

• While ammonia is an ingredient in homemade insect control sprays for roses, gardeners should still use caution when applying ammonia-based sprays. Roses that have been stressed should not be sprayed with ammonia, and these sprays should also never be used during hot summer months or during the middle of the day when the sun is hottest. Chemicals like ammonia can burn plants if applied while the plant is dry, or when it is hot. As with any pest control product, test ammonia sprays on a few leaves of one plant before using it on all of your roses.

Chemical Properties of Ammonia

• The chemical name of household ammonia is ammonium hydroxide or aqueous ammonia, and the chemical is a combination of nitrogen, hydrogen and oxygen. Household ammonia is a base, also called an alkaline substance, like bleach or lye.