WHEN TO PLANT BARE ROOT ROSES
Things are getting busy here on the farm. Last week, we kicked off the harvest and grading of our bare root roses, and next week, orders from our partner farms will start rolling in. Bare root rose season is officially in full swing!
In case you missed it, I recently shared an introduction to bare root roses (don't worry, you can catch up here). This week, I'm diving into a crucial topic—determining the right time to plant your bare root roses. Timing is everything when it comes to ensuring their long-term success.
Bare root roses are planted during your dormant season, before warm spring temperatures take hold. This strategic timing allows your roses to establish their root systems ahead of the growing season. But how do you figure out the right window for planting? That's where your location and growing conditions come into play.
A great starting point is the USDA Hardiness Zone map, which divides regions into 13 zones based on average minimum temperatures. (Not sure what your growing zone is? Find out here.) While it's helpful for understanding your climate, it's not the final word on planting times—there are so many other factors at play! I've learned over the year that weather patterns, microclimates, and even the quirks of an unpredictable season can influence the best time to plant.
Here's a quick guide to my recommended bare root rose planting windows by zone:
Zones 9-13: January to Late FebruaryZone 8: Mid to Late February
Zone 7: Early to Mid March
Zone 6: Mid to Late March
Zones 4-5: Early to Mid April
Zone 3: Mid April to Early May
The best way to nail down the ideal planting time for your location is to diligently track your local conditions and keep good notes in a garden journal. Be sure to add details like temperature trends, frost dates, and your planting dates gives you invaluable insight for future seasons. With good notes season after season you'll figure out your sweet spot for planting bare root roses in your location.
If you're new to bare root roses, it's best to follow the recommended planting windows above for your first few seasons. Planting too late can expose your roses to warmer spring temperatures, making it harder for them to establish strong, healthy roots. While those tempting end-of-season sales might be hard to resist (we've all been there!), planting outside the ideal timeframe can jeopardize your roses' success—and may end up costing you more in the long run.
For flower farmers or those growing in controlled environments like tunnels or greenhouses, you can set aside the guide above and start planting earlier than the recommended dates for your zone. A warmer, controlled environment allows you to treat your growing conditions as if they were one to two zones higher than your actual zone.
This week's action tip: Take some time to research your growing zone and location to determine the best time to plant bare root roses. Once you've figured it out, mark the date on your calendar—it's a future appointment with yourself! Knowing the right planting time is a key part of the planning process, so don't skip this step. One of the perks of ordering from Menagerie is the option to select your ideal shipping week, so your roses arrive exactly when it's the best time for YOU to plant.
Feeling inspired? Start curating your dream rose garden now! Our 2025 Bare Root Rose Collection is available for preview here to get you started. Be sure to check out your favorite local nurseries and other online retailers too. Grab your garden journal and a pencil—or use my FREE Notion Rose Planner —and start jotting down your favorites. This Notion page has been my go-to for effortlessly researching and planning new additions to my home garden. You can customize to make it your own by adding companion plants and more! Prefer pen and paper? Download our printable Rose Wish List instead.
Planning your garden for the upcoming season is a delightful way to spend a cozy winter evening. Gather your planning tools, pour yourself a cup of cocoa or a glass of wine, and let your imagination take flight. Let's make 2025 the year of vibrant, abundant rose blooms!
XX,
THE LIST: THINGS I'M LOVING THIS WEEK
- It's bare root harvest and grading time here on the farm, and we've found the PERFECT gloves to keep our hands warm and toasty while cleaning rose roots! These rubber, insulated gloves are a total game-changer. They're also amazing for hosing off and cleaning dahlia tubers too!
- I cherish the annual traditions of the holiday season, and one of my favorites is reading Christmas books with my kids. It's a TRADITION passed down from my own childhood—my mom used to read them to me, and now I share those same stories with my children. When I asked them which book they loved the most, this one topped their list. It was my favorite as a child too! It perfectly captures the essence of Christmas, right down to the familiar scents of the season.
- Finished most of my holiday gift wrapping yesterday, and Wintersong has been playing on loop on my holiday PLAYLIST—it's such a beautiful album, and I absolutely love it!
- It's been a busy week and I am in need of some serious Sunday Self CARE. Grabbing one of these and disappearing for a while today.
JOIN THE FUN!
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You can also find me on Instagram for more rose garden inspiration and exclusive behind-the-scenes moments. You can check out my favorite rose varieties and browse garden supplies at the Menagerie Shop! I also have all of things I love for my home, garden and life in easy to find collections on my Amazon Storefront and my new ShopMy Page.
I truly enjoy hearing from you, so please don't hesitate to send in any questions you'd like me to answer.
The holiday season is upon us, bringing with it the usual flurry of activity. Wishing you a week filled with peace and blessings amidst the hustle and bustle of festive celebrations!
Photos by: Jill Carmel Photography
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