No..they don't have any roots yet to absorb the fetilizer. When they do get roots, use a VERY weak solution of fertilizer to start with, if you must. I generally don't use any until they've started to branch well and put on lots of new growth,but I start mine right in the garden soil... but if you're starting them in a soiless mix or coir, then they probably will need some sort of help with nutrients, maybe somebody else can help you with that?? Either way..no fertilizer until you see good roots, and very weak to start with. Donna

I second that. No fertilizer while they are still rooting- It could burn the tender root initials and like Donna said, they have nothing to absorb the nutrients with. But once they have roots (at least some branching) I usually pot them into larger containers with normal potting mix and use slow-release fertilizer (osmacoat, at the normal recommended rate)- They take off growing! I've had cuttings that I took Thanksgiving (rooted in a soiless mix in a mist bed) bloom by the first week of March this way (they were kept in a greenhouse).

On a side note- if this is your first time rooting roses, don't be alarmed if every single leaf falls off. Mine always do, but the stem should stay greenish and alive-looking. As soon as I pot them up and fertilize them, the buds break and start putting on new growth.

Happy gardening!

Rachel

I on the other hand dunk my cuttings in a weak solution of water soluable fertilizer before sticking. Nay, who used to work at Chamblees turned me on to that trick.

Thank you everyone for helping me!
Kathy