There is now a new option for rose fertiliser in Victoria. Richgro in conjunction with Gardenworld have just made available Black Marvel Premium Rose Food.
This product has been available for a number of years in Western Australia. It is renowned for having a low phosphorus content, making it safer for waterways. High levels of water soluble phosphorus can contribute to algal blooms in our waterways, rivers and water reservoirs. This product was designed with consideration for this environmental issue.
This fertiliser is specially formulated for roses. It is carefully balanced and contains all the essential nutrients plus trace elements required for the optimum growth and health. It is very high in iron which will promote deep green leaves, strong roots and healthy plant growth. It is also very high in potash which ensures lots of colourful, healthy blooms. There is also a good balance of trace elements for rose growth and general health.
All round it seems like a professionally formulated mix with a good balance between nitrogen and potassium. You will need an air tight container to put it in as it
2.5 kg and 5kg bags available
comes in a non-sealable bag and there is no measuring spoon so will have to weigh the first 30 grams just to calculate how much to give each rose. Judging buy this formulation though, it will be worth it, as a measured dose should minimise your chance of any surplus fertiliser being washed away. Sometimes this can be more beneficial for the environment than organic fertiliser that can sometimes be more easily be over used, causing more pollution after heavy rainfall than a measured dose of a professionally formulated recommended doseage. Of course soil types and other variables can also affect how much of the fertiliser a plant will use up.
The product is also well priced when you consider how small a dosage you need for each rose. It compares favourably with other rose foods on the market.
Richgro recommends to apply after pruning and once a month until the start of Winter. We believe you should also look at your leaf colour to determine if the plant needs a feed. It is easy to see a rich , lush green well fed rose compared to a harder looking, veiny or yellowy rose leaf.
The proof is in the pudding and I guess we will soon have plenty of feedback on just how good the Black Marvel Premium Rose Food proves to be for Victorian rose growers.
Application:
Established Roses: apply 30 grams per plant.
New Roses including bare root roses: apply 10 grams per plant.
Miniature roses and roses in pots: use half quoted rates.
Also available online for Melbourne delivery – click here.
It is with pleasure that I have just received a copy of Jim’s latest book. It is called Hydroponics Made Easy. It is actually the 3rd edition of his original book, but the 2nd edition came out over ten years ago, and a lot a developments have been made since then. As well as providing plenty of information about the Autopot System, you will also learn a lot about Hydroponics in general. There is also an interesting chapter on starting plants from seeds and cuttings.
