Portland Rose Society Fertilizer Information and Directions for Use

What Makes Portland Rose Society Fertilizer Better Than Other Rose Fertilizers? 

Regular 15/10/10 fertilizer: 

For over 40 years the Portland Rose Society has produced and sold one of the finest rose and garden fertilizers available. Fertilizer is often referred to as “Plant Food” which is not really correct. All plants produce 100% of the food they need. What they do need, however, are the mineral elements to produce the food, in other words what they need is equivalent to vitamins. Plants need 15 elements provided from the environment for them to complete their mission of food production. These elements are Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Sulfur, Boron, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Zinc, Carbon, Hydrogen and Oxygen. The first 12 of these are contained in our original fertilizer with the final three coming from water and the carbon dioxide in the air. That is why our product works so well, not only on roses but on any plant you wish to use it on. The price of our product makes it the best value in terms of the number and amount of active ingredients per pound when compared to similar fertilizers. 

Organic 5/4/4 fertilizer: 

Several years ago, due to popular demand, the Portland Rose Society introduced an all-organic rose fertilizer with Mycorrhizal fungi. If you are not familiar with what this is, it is a fungus which lives in the soil naturally under most conditions but is not always present in all soils. When these organisms are introduced into the soil they grow and form associations with the roots of many different plants including roses. The association is such that the fungi is fed by sugars that the plants produce and they in turn provide a much larger absorptive area that allows more efficient uptake of mineral elements by the plants. There have been many studies that have shown that plants grow better and are more resistant to environmental stress when these fungi are present and associated with the roots of the plant. However, adding Mycorrhizal fungi to any fertilizer is expensive which is why organic fertilizers are more costly than regular fertilizers. 

Our fertilizers can be found at most Portland metro area nurseries. 

Lastly, the Portland Rose Society is the oldest, non-profit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to spreading rose growing and care knowledge to everyone. Purchasing our fertilizer helps us continue our mission and we thank you for your support!

Portland Rose Society Fertilizer Directions for Use 

Portland Rose Fertilizer is a high analysis, balanced fertilizer blend that should not be used in quantities exceeding the recommended rates. Make the first application of fertilizer in the spring after the roses have achieved at least four inches of new growth - probably about the middle of April.

• For hybrid teas, floribundas, grandifloras and other roses of that size, apply a scant ½ cup of fertilizer around the drip line of each rose (apply in a circle about 10-14 inches from the base of the rose). Work the fertilizer lightly into the soil and then water the plants well.

• Repeat the applications every 6-8 weeks during the growing season, with the second application in early to mid-June and a third application in early to mid-August. If desired, applications at half this rate can be made at monthly intervals.

• For miniature roses, the application rate should be about one tablespoon per plant, scattered around the bush. For large shrubs and climbers, the application rate may be increased to about ¾ cup per bush, with the fertilizer being applied to an area extending out to about 28 inches from the base of the rose bush. 

Portland Rose Fertilizer is also a very good general garden fertilizer and can be used on all flowers, vegetables, and shrubs with excellent results. The application rate should be about ½ cup per 10 square feet of planted area, applied twice during the growing season. Fertilize once in the spring and once in the middle of the growing season. Apply water generously after any fertilizer application to activate the fertilizer and to prevent potential damage to the plants. 

Portland Rose Fertilizer will keep indefinitely, but do fold over the tops of open bags to keep moisture out, as the moisture may cause the fertilizer to become lumpy and hard to apply. Freezing temperatures will not hurt this product.

As with all garden products, keep out of the reach of children. 

PRS Organic Fertilizer Composition