balanced blend of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium.

N-P-K analysis of 10-

10-10 is common.

Nitrogen (N)

Phosphorus (P)

Potassium (K)

x Nitrogen helps shoots (above ground)

x Phosphorus helps roots (below ground)
x Potassium is used by the whole plant (like a vitamin).

Nitrogen (N) Promotes healthy vegetative, green growth. Nitrogen is a component of all proteins and
because water washes it away from the root zone, roses require a consistent supply. It is
needed to build chlorophyll and allows the plant to use light to turn water and carbon
dioxide into sugars to feed itself. Too much and you produce lush plants with few or no
blooms. Too little, and the rose will have yellow leaves, no new growth, and small pale
roses.

Phosphorus Makes for strong roots and abundant flower production. Too little will cause dull foliage,
(P) falling leaves, weak flower stems and buds that will not open.

Potassium Also known as potash encourages vigorous growth and makes sure all is in good
(K) working order. It is like an immune system booster that helps the plant through stressed
times such as disease / insect damage, drought and cold temperatures. Lack of
potassium will produce weak steams, poorly developed buds, and yellow edges on the
leaves, which turn brown.
Roses need these nutrients too:
x Calcium (Ca): Increases the strength of cell walls; enables a plant to better ward off sucking insects
like aphids.
x Magnesium (Mg): Crucial nutrient that promotes dark green leaves, intensified flower color, increased
flower production, and can also help flush harmful salts through the soil. That’s why Epsom Salts (a
form of Magnesium Sulfate) is a time-honored secret for rose gardeners. Apply at the rate of 1/3 to
1/2 cup per plant at the beginning of the growing season.
x Sulfur (S)
x Boron (B)
x Copper (Cu)
x Iron (Fe)
x Manganese (Mn)
x Zinc (Zn)

General N-P-K ratio

Studies have found that the ideal ratio of those nutrients for flowering plants is 3-1-2. (That's 3%
Nitrogen, 1% phosphorus & 2% potassium.) So look for that ratio on the label of packaged
fertilizers; anything close to a 3-1-2, a 6-2-4 or a 9-3-6 should be ideal.
Organic Fertilizers

Bone meal supplies phosphorous and calcium.

Balanced Organic NPK Fertilizer Choices for Warm-Season Use

(Links Go to Affiliates to Purchase Organic Soil Amendments)
Soil N- Application
Description Lasts
Amendment P-K Rate
A quick-to-mid-
release, balanced
Up to 16lbs/100
Alfalfa 2-1- source of N, P, K, and 3-4
some Sulfur. In my sq ft, 1 cup for
Meal 2 Months
experience, one of the 5gal pot
best balanced organic
npk fertilizers.

1” layer
Excellent quick-release
source of N, with a
3.2- long-term, slow-release (10-15lbs/100 sq
Worm 3-6 ft)
1.1- component. Inoculates
Castings Months Use up to 1/3
1.5 soil with beneficial
volume in
fungi & microbes from
container
the worm gut.
mixes.

Be sure to mix into Up to 16lbs/100

7-2- 3-4
Soy Meal soil. If left in clumps sq ft, 1 cup for
1 Months
you willhave maggots. 5-7gal pot

Slightly acidic, a good

choice for acid-loving
Cottonseed 5-2- plants like berries. May 3-4 Up t o
contain pesticide
Meal 1 Months 8lbs/100 sq ft
residues, although
organic sources are
available.

Nitrogen (N):
 Soybean meal -- also supplies magnesium, along with a quick source of
nitrogen and micronutrients.

Blood meal,

Cottonseed meal and

Fish meal or emulsion are all quick sources of nitrogen.

Phosphorous (P):
Bone meal supplies phosphorous and calcium.

Potassium (K)
Banana peel contains high amounts of vitamin B6 and B12, as well as magnesium and
potassium. It also contains some fiber and protein.

banana peels add potassium as well as small amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and
magnesium to the soil in a similar fashion as a slow-release fertilizer.

Use 1 cup each bone meal or superphosphate and cottonseed meal, and 1/2 cup
each bloodmeal, fish meal and Epsom salts. Blend the ingredients and scratch
them into the dripline 1 to 2 inches deep in moist soil.

Banana peel contains high amounts of vitamin B6 and B12, as well as magnesium and
potassium. It also contains some fiber and protein.

Epsom salts provides magnesium sulfate, which intensifies colors of leaves and
flowers and promotes flower production.