To: Brig. M Arif Khan
[*]This letter from ARS Master Rosarian Will be of interest to some, it answers all my questions.
Dear Arif
In warm winter climates the graft or bud junction can be planted above
ground. In cold winter areas the bud union should be planted below the 4-6
inches below the soil for protection from freezing. The bud union is the
weak point on a grafted rose. Any moisture that may form between the
slightly dissimilar tissues of the root stock and grafted portion can freeze
in winter and cause them to separate. If the bond is broken, the preferred
rose (top portion above the graft) would have no way to get moisture and
die. Below the soil surface the temperatures seldom get much below freezing,
protecting the bud union. Planted below the soil surface , that portion of
cane under ground will form roots and eventually you'll have an own root
plant.
Most roses are grafted because it's economically less expensive to propagate
roses that way. Each bud on a cane, if grafted to a root stock, will make a
new bush, whereas a piece of cane required for a rooted cutting takes 3-4
buds. One bush or 3-4? Which makes more sense to a producer?
A grafted rose can be sent to market in two years while a rooted cutting
takes up to three years to reach the same size and produce as well.
For large scale growers, grafting is less expensive and produces more. For
small growers who can take time and economy of scale is not important,
rooting cuttings is easier.
The spray you mentioned is very toxic and seldom used here in the U.S. We
have products that are less toxic and are sprayed according to the
directions on the label. If your product has a label, follow that, If not
I'd most likely spray once a week or 10 days. If that doesn't work, increase
frequency. Be careful in hot temperatures as many mixtures, especially those
containing an oil, can burn leaves.
I don't recommend insecticides. I haven sprayed one in 9 years. Nature
provides predatory insects. They, along with birds, keep any destructive
insects under control. Insecticides are very non selective and kill
everything they contact, including the good predatory insects. Before they
return they must have food, the bad insects. Therefore you'll have damage,
then good insects, then you spray, kill everything, and start the cycle all
over again.
Laws in various countries mean you may not have the same products available
that we do. It would be difficult for me to recommend a product you don't
have access to.
Send me the names and active ingredient of those you have available and I'll
tell you what might work.
Cuttings from actively growing canes root best. Flowers form on actively
growing canes, so take your cuttings from canes with spent flowers. Spring
is the best time for soft wood cuttings. Hardwood cuttings can be taken
anytime.
Remember, Products available to me may not be available in Pakistan.
Plant your roses in rich soil, provide good fertilizer, manure is really
good as it feeds the rose and enriches the soil. Roses like lots of water,
so water deeply and often but don't let them sit in water or the roots will
rot. They need good drainage. Roses do best with a minimum of 6 hours of
sunlight daily. Once established, full sun is OK.
Real Men Grow Roses,
Never enough Roses,
Take time to STOP and smell the Roses,
and Don't sweat the small stuff.
Karl Bapst (Rosenut)
ARS Master Rosarian.
http://www.rosenut.com