Ask Felicia: Bare Root Roses in Pots vs. Ground Planting—Which Yields

In her weekly newsletter, Growing Wonder with Felicia Alvarez: Simple Tips for Thriving Roses, Gardens & Homes, Felicia offers expert advice to help you cultivate stunning roses, vibrant gardens, and welcoming homes. Each edition features a subscriber-submitted question, where Felicia provides thoughtful answers to your rose, garden, and home-related queries. This Q&A was originally featured as a highlighted question from one of our subscribers, published in the newsletter.

Q: "Do bare root roses planted in pots in the spring and then transplanted in the ground in the fall do better than bare roots planted directly in the ground in the spring?"

Submitted by: Fiona from Richmond, VT - Zone 4b/5a

A: Hi Fiona! This is a fantastic question, and one I get asked often—so I'm really glad you asked! The truth is, there's no single “best” way to plant bare root roses since so many factors come into play, such as weather, soil conditions, rose variety and your specific growing zone. Both methods—planting directly in the ground or starting in pots—can lead to thriving roses, but the right choice depends on your climate and growing conditions.

Planting bare root roses in pots during winter/spring and then transplanting them into the ground in fall can offer certain advantages. However, I personally prefer planting bare root roses directly in the ground. This approach minimizes transplant shock and produces larger, healthier plants by the same point in the growing season compared to roses started in pots. Here's a closer look at the pros and cons of both methods:

Bare Root Roses Planted in Pots First

Contained Root Development – Growing in a controlled environment (pot) allows roots to establish without competition from weeds or fluctuating soil conditions.
Easier Monitoring – You can better control watering, soil quality, and protection from extreme weather, giving the rose a strong start.
Flexible Planting Time – By fall, the rose is more established, reducing transplant shock when moved into the ground as temperatures cool and rain increases.
Possible Downsides – Requires more effort, frequent watering in summer and proper potting soil to prevent the plant from becoming root-bound before fall.

Bare Root Roses Planted Directly in the Ground

Less Work – No need to transplant later, and the rose can immediately begin adapting to its final location.
Less Risk of Transplant Shock – Once in the ground, the roots can spread freely and the plant doesn't have to adjust twice.
Better for Coming Out of Dormancy – If your soil is well-prepared and not too wet, direct planting allows the rose to establish itself naturally.
Potential Challenges – If spring conditions are too cold, wet, or unpredictable, newly planted bare roots may struggle, making establishment slower than a potted start.

Which is Better? Since you're in Zone 4/5, where winters are cold and springs can be unpredictable, starting bare root roses in pots in the spring and then transplanting them into the ground in fall can offer advantages. This method allows for stronger root establishment in a controlled environment, protecting them from late frosts and heavy spring rains. By fall, when temperatures cool and rainfall increases, the roses will be more robust and ready for winter. However, if you have well prepared soil and can time your planting after the last frost, direct planting in spring would be my recommend planting method. The key is to adapt your approach to the specific growing conditions in your location each season to ensure your roses thrive.

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Ask Felicia: Bare Root Roses in Pots vs. Ground Planting—Which Yields Better Results?

Ask Felicia: Bare Root Roses in Pots vs. Ground Planting—Which Yields Better Results?

Q: "Do bare root roses planted in pots in the spring and then transplanted in the ground in the fall do better than bare roots planted directly in the ground in the spring?"

Submitted by: Fiona from Richmond, VT - Zone 4b/5a

GET HELP WITH YOUR GARDEN

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Search our Site

Ask Felicia: Bare Root Roses in Pots vs. Ground Planting—Which Yields Better Results?

Ask Felicia: Bare Root Roses in Pots vs. Ground Planting—Which Yields Better Results?

Q: "Do bare root roses planted in pots in the spring and then transplanted in the ground in the fall do better than bare roots planted directly in the ground in the spring?" Submitted by: Fiona from Richmond, VT - Zone 4b/5a

GET HELP WITH YOUR GARDEN

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Q: "Do bare root roses planted in pots in the spring and then transplanted in the ground in the fall do better than bare roots planted directly in the ground in the spring?"

Submitted by: Fiona from Richmond, VT - Zone 4b/5a