I always do it and never have a bs problem with them. The objective is to keep the canes moist.

I agree with misting the canes so that they don't dry out. I believe black spot is a disease of leaves more so than canes, so that until the leaves appear, I don't think misting the canes will cause a black spot problem.

Since most people get their bare roots early in the season--long before temps rise to the optimal degree conducive to BS formation--I'd guess that is the reason that misting doesn't pose a serious BS problem.

Just a guess.

Some people pile up soil around the canes of the bareroots to help keep them from drying out. Once new growth becomes apparent, the soil mound can be washed down.

Kate

Rose books are full of advice for preventing blackspot such as good air circulation, watering only at certain times of day and so on. I say put your thoughts into what is best culture for your roses and ignore what blackspot needs. Blackspot comes when it comes.

Kate's comments are right on the mark. You can keep a new plant quite damp at the start of the year without worry of Blackspot because temperatures have to get above a certain point before Blackspot spores will germinate. If you don't want to mist, then hill soil up around the canes to at least 10" deep to protect the canes from drying. Both approaches work.

Paul

I think I will try soil around the canes, and making sure I have air circulation, and make sure I use "drip" watering or at least not spray water on the leaves when I water the roses in summer. That should definitely help. But like you said Mike, "Black spot comes when it comes." We can only do so much. And you can't stop the rain from getting on the leaves can you?

Thanks all
kentstar