As the weather changes, the balling will probably decrease. In the meantime, put your thumbs lightly on each side of the buds and gently slide them down the buds. The outer petals should pull back and the center can now open naturally. If the balling is really bad, you might have to do that several times as you circle around the bud.

It only takes a couple minutes, and then you can enjoy your blooms.

Hope that helps.

Kate

I definitely believe it is weather related. I usually don't have roses that balled but this year quite a few of them do. I never really understood over the years what everyone complains about but this year I know. It is very disappointing.

I have a tendency to get rid of habitual ballers. However, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I gave some roses to a friend and just happened there was a baller in it. She loved it!

That is very true, Kentucky. I don't mind the balling as it is unusual but the problem is you never get to see the rose's full potential. For example, this is my scentimental second year and I look forward to it. However, the first flush all balled. Yup!

If you live in a very humid climate this is always going to be a problem with roses that tend to have very thin petals. I have very few white roses as a result. The only one I didn't have a balling problem with was Pope John Paul II but then it was a weak grower, black spotty thing and didn't winter well here so it's gone now too. Look for roses that have thicker, more substantial petals and they will be less likely to ball up in high humidities.

I was about to also suggest to check for flower thrips, Dingo. I would bet there are thrips in the pictured flowers.