How to Make Rose Bush Stems Thicker

Sturdy, thick rose stems hold their blooms upright for garden viewing from above, or for placement in a vase. However, certain kinds of roses, especially some English roses, are prone to weak, thin stems. When a genetic predisposition to weak stems is countered with appropriate planting and care, rose stems can be made to grow to their maximum thickness. Nitrogen or phosphorous deficiency contributes to weak stems. Insufficient sunlight along with too much nitrogen promotes weak, elongated stems. A properly planted rosebush in a sunny, well-draining site optimally uses nutrients for sturdier stems.

Sharp, clean bypass pruning shears
Gardening gloves
Organic garden mulch
Ammonium sulfate fertilizer product
High-phosphorous fertilizer product

Instructions

- 1
  Examine rose bushes in early spring when new growth just begins to develop. Prune out and discard dead, weak or diseased canes and stems. Prune away and discard the remaining top third of each bush rose. Water each plant well.
- 2
  Spread a layer of mulch 2 to 3 inches deep around the base of each plant. Surround each plant with a circle of mulch starting six inches from the base and extending 18 inches from the base.
- 3
  Apply 2 tablespoons of ammonium sulfate per plant. Repeat at four-week intervals throughout the growing season, until three weeks before the date of the average first fall frost.
- 4
  Work a scant 1/4 cup of high-phosphorous fertilizer into the soil around each plant in early spring. Repeat when new growth is 4 to 6 inches in length, and again after the first flowering flush of the season has faded.

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