How Do You Grow Roses In Florida?
Florida’s humid heat and sandy soil can be challenging for rose growers, and many roses that grow well up north can’t thrive here. But with the right plants and the right approach, you can get results that make up for the extra trouble–glorious blooms all year round. Pick a site for your rose bed with good drainage and at least 6 hours of sun every day. Morning sun is most important. The site should be open, with free air movement through it and no nearby trees or shrubs to compete for moisture and nutrients. Add organic material to the soil. Roses do not grow well in most native Florida soils. Add 2 to 4 inches of compost, manure or peat to the entire bed. Mix in thoroughly and evenly to a depth of 12 inches. Check the pH of your soil and adjust if necessary to between 5.5 and 6.5, which is moderately to slightly acidic. Ask your local nursery or county Extension Office for help with soil testing. Add dolomitic lime to raise pH or sulfur to lower it. Buy containerized roses grafted o
