When and How to Soak Bare Root Roses

There are lots of great reasons to choose bare-root roses over the alternative. For one thing, you’re certainly going to pay less, and you’ll probably have a better selection to choose from. Nurseries often get their bare root plants earlier in the season, and because they are less costly to ship, most will order a larger number and variety.

Other benefits include a reduced environmental impact, in a good way. Less packaging means less waste. It’s also easier to get them home, especially if you’re planting a larger quantity. Bare root roses arrive dormant so you can plant them earlier without concern of cold damage. 

By planting them in this state, they will have faster root development and establish earlier. This means a bigger, healthier plant with more flowers during the growing seasons. If you’re sold on the idea, you’ll want to know when to plant your bare-root roses and how to prepare them. Soaking the roots is an important factor in their success. Here’s how to do it!

Why Soak the Roots?

When your bare root plants arrive, they will be dormant and, likely, dehydrated. Soaking them helps to rehydrate both the roots and the plant as a whole. A hydrated plant will endure the stress of transplant far better than a dehydrated one.

Rehydrating the roots will help them establish and grow faster, leading to a sooner active growth stage. Basically, you are rejuvenating the plant after its time spent in dormancy without soil or water. Because it has been dormant, it helps wake it up and grow those roots. 

When Should I Purchase My Plant?

The time to purchase your plants is while they are dormant. This is typically between November and April but can vary according to climate. In warmer climates, they will begin active growth earlier in the year. 

It’s important to note that they can only remain without soil and water while they are dormant. Once they begin to grow, they will need moisture and nutrients. 

Another factor in deciding when to bring home your roses is whether you have frozen soil. You should aim to get them in the ground as soon as possible after bringing them home. Plant when the soil is loose and moist and there is some rainfall. Don’t plant during a drought.

Here are some general planting guidelines according to the Zones:

How Long Should I Wait to Soak?

Don’t wait. It’s a good idea to prepare for planting before you purchase your plants so that you can give them the best and fastest start. Soak them as soon as possible after you bring them home. 

Choosing the Right Container

Choosing a container to do your soaking isn’t complicated. A five-gallon bucket should do the trick if you’re planting a single rose. You may need to size up if you’re planting more than one. A trash can or large plastic storage tote are good options. 

If you’re planting a large number, you can divide them into smaller groups, but it’s best to do this as soon as possible. A small plastic swimming pool is perfect for handling a larger quantity. 

It’s important to clean your container thoroughly before you use it. If any harmful pathogens are in there, you will introduce them right into your new plant’s root system, which is a recipe for root rot. 

Should I Add Anything to the Water?

There are differing opinions on whether you should add anything to the water before soaking. Some gardeners add a cap full of bleach to kill any harmful substances that could be present. A pre-formulated vitamin and nutrient solution is another thing that some gardeners swear by.

The general theory among professionals, however, is not to use additives. These substances are not only unnecessary but can also impose undue stress on the rose, making it more difficult to adapt to its new environment. Just plain, room-temperature or lukewarm water is best. 

How Long Should It Soak?

There is no hard and fast rule about how long you should leave your roots soaking. But, in general, you should leave them in the water for at least an hour. A quick dunk isn’t likely to make much difference. You want to allow the roots time to absorb as much moisture as they can. 

Some gardeners say not to leave them soaking for more than 24 hours. Others say that up to a week is fine as long as you change out the water to keep it fresh and clean. I would aim for anywhere from six to 48 hours. Try to leave it in there until you’re ready to put it in the ground. 

Selecting a Location

Roses prefer full sun exposure, which equates to a minimum of six hours of direct sun daily. If you live in a hot climate, giving your plant some shade in the afternoon won’t hurt. Some hybrids, like hybrid teas, tolerate partial shade, but more sun usually equals more flowers.

Choose a spot with good drainage, as roses don’t like wet feet. Roses are moisture lovers, but they don’t tolerate soggy soil. They prefer a slightly acidic soil pH, which you can achieve by adding organic material if you need to lower it. Adding materials like compost and manure can also loosen up dense or compacted soil. 

When choosing a space, consider the size your rose will mature to. It will need room to grow, and roses don’t like crowded spaces. If possible, find a spot where there is protection from strong winds.

Preparing the Hole

Either before or while your roots are soaking, prepare the hole where you will plant your new shrub. Dig a sizeable hole, larger than you think. That root ball may look small, but you want to give it room to spread out and get comfortable. You don’t want to squish the roots into a small space as it will take longer to become established. Dig your hole about two feet wide and deep. 

This is the time to add in any soil amendments to enrich or loosen the dirt. These are heavy feeders, so adding some organic matter or fertilizer with the backfill soil will provide a strong start. 

Planting Your Rose

Build a small hill of soil in the bottom of the hole that will elevate your plant slightly. You want the bud union to lie just below the surface. The bud union is the point where the stem is grafted to the rootstock. Leaving this exposed could cause the rootstock to produce suckers, which will not produce the desired flowers. 

Gently spread the roots over the mound of soil and distribute them evenly to keep it well anchored. Backfill the hole with soil, and tamp it down lightly but firmly with the back of your shovel. This removes any air pockets around the roots. If you anticipate freezing weather before the winter is over, this is important.