Yes, that's fertilizer. I would hold off of any additional fertilizer for now, I'm waiting until after the first blooms cycle. I just add triple phosphate to planting holes. I won't add any seaweed for another few weeks, and I've had mu Ashdown plants for a couple of months now.

Thanks, Diane . I planned to sprinkle a scant tablespoon of superphosphate in bottom of 10-12 inch wide pots, on top of first layer of potting soil/compost mix. Then stir it in, top with rose and fill in with more soil mix. Water well and hold off on fish stuff for awhile. Diane - does this sound like it is a safe way to procede?
This forum is such a great source of info and support! Thanks again to you all.

All our roses are shipped with a time release fertilizer in them good for 6 months or so. Those are the pellets you are seeing.