Winter Sowing Roses

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You can grow your own roses from seed with Winter Sowing.

Roses require several periods of cold-stratification to soften the hard coat of the rose seed. Winter Sowing is an easy way to provide that. Hybrid roses usually will not duplicate themselves exactly from seed, the plants you germinate will grow and bloom to have their own beauty. The results are often very pleasing and charming.

FAQs

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Roses come in many sizes and forms and their seeds reflect that. There can be variation among the sizes of seeds from different roses. It is best to sow rose seeds at a depth that is twice their width. Firm the soil surface well after sowing.

Rose seeds begin germinating in mid-spring, germination can be staggered with some stragglers germinating during summer. Larger seedlings may be transplanted from partially germinated flats into holding beds or their own growing pots. Plants can be moved into permanent sites once the seedlings have grown to about four or five inches high. Prune as desired at transplant.
Slug protection is suggested.

Tip suggests these links for further study.

How to Grow Roses from Seeds
by C. H. Lewis
The American Rose
Issue: October 1958, pps. 16, 17, and 29
Propagating Roses
American Rose Society
ARS.Org

Growing Roses from Seed
by David Alosi, Master Gardener
Napa County Master Gardeners
Agriculture and Natural Resources
University of California Cooperative Extension

Frequently Asked Questions About Rose Propagation from Seed
by Albert Ford
Maryland Rose Society Newsletter
Issue: November - December 1999
Maryland Rose Society

Growing Lavender and Roses from Seed
by Alice Formiga
ReneesGarden.Com