How to grow roses in potatoes: a gardener's trick
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Roses, often called the "queen of the garden," have long captured the hearts of gardening enthusiasts. And while growing these exquisite flowers can be a challenge due to their demanding nature, a lesser-known method involves an unconventional but effective technique: growing roses in potatoes. This was reported by SSPDaily.
This method, known as "cuttings," involves selecting suitable rose varieties, preferably native to the region. For best results, roses with red or pink buds should be chosen, although you can experiment with other shades. It is very important to avoid using imported roses, as they may not take root well after transportation and exposure to chemicals.
The beauty of this method lies in its simplicity, which makes it an excellent choice for beginner gardeners. By planting rose cuttings in potatoes, you use the ability of the root crop to provide growth with the necessary nutrients, as well as protect it from temperature extremes and pests. It should be noted, however, that these plants can successfully take root when using this method.
To see the magic of roses thriving in potatoes, you will need
- rose cuttings as planting material
- medium-sized raw potatoes
- honey
- water
- suitable potting soil
- good quality soil
- glass jar or plastic bottle
The use of honey in this process serves as a growth stimulant for the rose's root system. The diluted honey water acts as a catalyst for root development, making it a valuable addition to this horticultural experiment.
A step-by-step guide to growing roses in potatoes.
1. Start by washing the potatoes thoroughly. Remove any eyes on the surface of the tuber, then cut a hole in it about 2-3 cm deep. 2. Prepare the rose cuttings: each cutting should have 2-3 internodes. It is very important that the upper and lower cuts are at a distance of 1 cm from the leaf petioles. 3. Carefully dip the bases of the cuttings into a mixture of honey and water.
4. Place the prepared cuttings in the holes in the potatoes. Place the lower rose bud inside the root ball.
5. Fill a pot with soil and place the potatoes with the cuttings in it. Cover it with soil, ensuring that the cuttings are firmly fixed.
6. Immediately water the cuttings gently, then create a greenhouse effect by covering the pot with a glass jar, plastic bottle, or similar transparent lid.
7. Do not forget to remove the improvised greenhouse cover 1-2 times a week to ensure ventilation. Gradually increase the frequency of watering over the next few weeks to accustom it to the open air.
8. Throughout this period, water the cuttings with a diluted sugar water solution (1-2 tsp per glass of water) to support their growth.
If you show patience and care, then in about a month or two the cuttings will once again have their own roots, and they will be ready to be transplanted into the garden.