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Notes on Cutting, Disbudding, and Watering

When cutting roses, a clean, slightly slanting cut should be made about one quarter of an inch above a bud. It is wise to cut the stem so that two or three buds are left on the cane-three if the bush is strong and vigorous, two if it is of weaker growth. The cut should be made, if possible, above an outside bud, as this will ensure a more shapely bush and strong vigorous shoots for later bloom.

Where flowers of the best size and quality are desired, disbudding should be practised. The terminal flower bud should be left and the smaller buds which form close about it should be removed. This can be quickly and easily accomplished and will make a decided difference in the quality of the blooms. One will find that there is a great difference in varieties, some varieties requiring almost no disbudding and other varieties requiring a great deal. Roses should never be watered late in the day. It is unwise to let them go to bed with damp foliage, as that is simply courting trouble with mildew. Watering should preferably be done very early in the morning. If it is necessary to water in the evening, care should be taken to wet the foliage as little as possible.