Hi RR - I live near Napa Valley and try to feed my roses at a minimum based on the holidays - Easter, Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day. I was able to feed many but not all my roses a few weeks ago and many of them will have a good flush in October.

My roses seem to be "wrapping up" around Thanksgiving and are typically starting or in dormancy by Christmas.

Hope that helps!

Ann

Ann - you're not concerned with feeding them in July, in the peak heat? I've been probably too prudent in my fertilizing - Easter (ish) and Labor Day (ish). I want, and plan to add more feedings, but have concerns about giving fertilizer in the midst of 3 months of 100 degree heat.

Hi Karen - I'm in a different microclimate from you being near Napa, mid-80s to low 90s most of the time in summer. I only have about 5-6 days of 100 degree heat most summers. I have fairly cool nights in the mid 50s to low 60s too.

RR - I was presuming from your name that you're in or around the East Bay which is about mid-70s in summer so if you're actually in a really hot spot like the Central Valley, make sure to water well along with any feeding. I forgot to mention that my feeding cycle starts in mid to late Jan/Feb time after pruning, then followed by the holiday feeds.

Ann

I feed monthly with the last application by mid September. Frequent small feedings work well for me along with weekly pruning.

I feed after pruning with alfalfa pellets, which are organic and break down all summer. That's it. And I get good bloom.