[Sideshoot]

I need some advice regarding feeding roses, ive bought 'TopRose' by bayer, which suggests using it twice a year, over feeding will do more damage etc.

Is there anything else i can use regularly to boost flowering and plant growth. Ive read many times banana skins/whole bananas are a huge benifit, but how often do you use them ?

One of my customers has a huge garden with many rose plants, and their looking to buy another 8 standard roses in may for a wedding in aug, money doesnt seem to be a problem, i just want the plants to have the best start feeding regime possible.

Any advice would be fantastic.

[sunshineband]

I feed mine in February/March after I have pruned them, with Top Rose or whatever is similar but cheaper.

I just give each bush a couple of decent handfuls and rake it in.

Seems to work just fine

[Sideshoot]

would they benefit from extra feeding ie the banana skins etc ? i dont want to over do it, and i know these standard roses that are going in 'need' to be in tip top condition for the wedding.

[sunshineband]

I don't think banana skins are essential and really the packet fertiliser is a well balanced mix specially for the job.

I wouldn't bother imho

and the roses should be in full bloom in August

Just remind them to remove any spent blooms back to the next leaf bud, to keep them tidy and flowering well

[Sideshoot]

Thanks for the advice

[Trillium]

Despite sunshine's good advice, I never bother with commercial fertilizers. I always use a yearly spring topping of rotted manure, BFB and some alfalfa (feed) pellets on mine and the leaves are strong and flowers are stunning. From time to time I'll toss a banana skin under the mulch as it helps but in no way are banana skins a full feed for roses, so you really can't overdo the skins. It's mostly a personal choice thing.

[compostqueen]

I use manure on mine.  Just an annual top dressing. You can fork it in carefully if it's a bit smelly or unsightly