How to Promote Basal Breaks in Roses

A basal break is strong new growth growing from the bud union on a rose bush. The bud union is the area from which the canes grow and it generally looks like a swelling or a knot. Basal break growth is something most rosarians aspire to, as it means fresh, new growth on the bush. The new growth is generally red and thornless as it emerges from the bud union. Use caution when weeding or otherwise working around the base of the rose so that you don't inadvertantly break off this valuable new growth. Promoting basal breaks in roses is challenging but rewarding when you are successful.

Things You'll Need

Pruning equipment
Fertilizer
Measuring spoon

Magnesium sulfate
Nitrogen

Instructions

- 1
  Water the rose bush every day for two weeks leading up to a rejuvenation pruning.
- 2
  Rejuvenate the old rose bush by cutting old, barky canes from the bud union. This should only be done if you have more than one cane growing from the union. Remove only one old cane, unless there are over four, in which case, remove two. Saw the canes off as close as possible to the bud union, being careful not to saw into the union. Fertilize with half the amount you normally use, after pruning.
- 3
  Remove soil covering the bud union. Sunlight encourages basal breaks.
- 4
  Add two tablespoons of magnesium sulfate -- epsom salts -- during your first fertilizer application in the spring.
- 5
  Fertilize the rose with nitrogen. Organic nitrogen sources include alfalfa meal, cottonseed meal or blood meal. Nitrogen stimulates basal breaks.

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