Skip the Superphosphate in the Planting Hole: Better Rose Nutrition Strategies

A Los Angeles gardener asked if superphosphate in the planting hole was necessary and wanted the best soil mix for roses.

Feeder Roots Are Near the Surface

Roses thrive in almost any soil. Their deep roots are anchors; the fine feeder roots that absorb nutrients are in the top few inches. Superphosphate in the hole takes 9 months for bacteria to break down before roots can use it. By then, surface-applied fertilizer has already fed the plant multiple times.

Modern Best Practice

Use native soil in the hole. Apply fertilizer on the soil surface where feeder roots can access it immediately. This approach is proven superior to hole amendments.