Wondering if you can grow roses on the balcony? Even when you have limited space, having some roses is a great idea. After all, blooming roses are among the most beautiful ornamental plants.
Roses are loved across the world and create a special appeal around the home. For some people, roses are a way to one’s heart. Most people in urban areas spend hundreds of dollars to buy this gem.
Such roses are usually grown in big farm greenhouses. But what of urban dwellers with limited space?
Can you grow roses on the balcony? You can grow roses on the balcony using a container or a bucket. You need a medium to large size container to match the type of roses you’re growing.
If you’re looking to grow roses on the balcony, then you’ve come to the right place.
Keep reading below as I discuss everything you need to know about growing roses on your balcony.
Choose a Suitable Container
The first step towards growing roses on the balcony is to choose the right container. You need a tall container as rose roots grow deep. In addition, the container should have good drainage.
Make sure the pot has holes at the bottom. You’ll need a mesh over the holes at the bottom. This helps prevent soil from washing away when you water your roses.
The container will make part of your outdoor decor. So make sure you choose a beautiful pot to enhance your home decor.
There are different types of containers to use depending on your taste. You can use plastic, fiberglass, or wood containers. Concrete containers are also ideal and long-lasting. However, they are usually heavy and difficult to move.
Wood containers are pretty good when you’re looking at great aesthetics. They bring a great scenic aura. But due to frequent watering, most wood containers tend to deteriorate fast.
Plastic containers are also ideal with a lightweight design. They are portable allowing homeowners to move them around with ease. But small plastic containers can easily be tipped over by the wind.
A great alternative to plastic containers is fiberglass. Fiberglass containers are strong and a little heavier than plastic. They are easy to move around but will cost you more.
Lastly, you can use clay pots. Clay pots come in different designs and can greatly enhance your home aesthetics. They also blend with most home decor and architecture. However, clay pots can break with ease and need extra care when handling them.
Create the Right Soil Mixture
The next step after finding a suitable pot is creating the right soil mixture. You need properly draining soil to ensure the plant roots develop depth. This can involve adding some composted manure to garden soil. You can also add some potting soil to the mixture.
Fill a thin layer of gravel at the bottom to ensure excellent drainage. This prevents the soil from becoming too damp and causing root rot.
Plant the Roses
Plant the roses by having the graft union below the soil. This is the swollen part of the stem base. While some farmers might leave the onion bud above the soil, it is recommended you leave it below the soil. This helps anchor your plant securely.
Once the graft is below the soil, try to firm the soil with your hands. Make sure you leave a few inches from the top of the soil to the top of the container. The space can be used for watering purposes.
Apply Fertilizer
According to LivingBoosts.com, fertilizer can be added to the soil mixture before planting or after planting the roses. Consider applying a 20-20-20 fertilizer to enhance the soil nutrients.
You can also add a slow-release granular fertilizer to the soil when the plants are young. However, you need to make sure you follow the application directions to avoid harming the roots.
Make sure you avoid fertilizer application 4-6 weeks before the first frost. You don’t want to encourage tender growth that will die in the cold.
Add mulch
Next, you need to add some mulch to help contain moisture in the soil. Some of the best mulch to add is well-rotted manure.
Apart from mulch, you can also plant a few trailing plants around the base of the rose. This help adds some color to your roses. However, take extra care not to damage the roots of the rose plant. Consider plants that require the same conditions as roses.
Pick the right spot
Lastly, you need to choose the right location for your container. Roses need good air circulation and enough sunlight.
However, if you’re using a heavy concrete container, consider finding the ideal spot first before filling the soil. However, lightweight plastic and fiberglass containers can be filled somewhere else and moved.
Make sure you position the container on a rolling platform to ensure excellent water drainage.
Overall, miniature rose varieties are the best to grow on balconies. They are easy to grow and produce varieties of colors like red, white, pink, yellow, etc.