Roses release large doses of flowers when fed fruit peel - it 'supports' prolific growth

roses in garden

Certain kitchen scraps may help give your rose a growth boost

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Solen Le Net

By Solen Le Net


Published: 15/02/2024

- 09:14

Updated: 21/04/2024

- 14:42

Britons are encouraged to give their rose shrubs a potassium boost ahead of the growing season

Roses come in a rainbow of pastel colours, producing fragrant blooms that can last the duration of summer with the correct gardening techniques.

In essence, the shrubs need the right amount of sun and hydration. Gardeners will enjoy prolific growth year after year when all their plants' needs are met.


As sustainable gardening trends gain momentum, more and more green-thumbed enthusiasts are turning to their kitchens for plant feed.

Discarded products, such as coffee grains and banana peels, are being planted around garden beds in a bid to vitalise plants.

roses growing in garden

Roses will grow prolifically when fed the right ingredients

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In a conversation with GB News, gardening expert Fiona Jenkins endorsed the movement, explaining that it can prove helpful in strengthening root systems.

“To strengthen your plant, you can use potassium-rich feeds such as Tomorite and your old banana peels into the soil near the plant,” she explained. “Do this at the beginning of spring to support growth.”

Placing one or two peels at the base of each rose shrub will give the plants enough potassium to turbocharge their growth over the summer.

The peels will eventually rot down into the soil and encourage the shrubs to release large doses of flowers.

For gardeners with established rose shrubs, the end of winter presents a window of opportunity to multiply their rose count, the expert added.

“If you want to increase the number of plants you’re growing, now is a good time to take some hardwood cuttings,” she said.

“These can be grown directly in the ground or in a container. To do this, you’ll need to select a healthy green stem with some buds on it.”

Fiona also pointed out that pruning plants is another guaranteed way to boost "the health of roses and encourage new growth."

Banana peel

Banana peels can provide plants with a much-needed potassium boost

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Pruning may differ for each variety of rose, with certain species in greater need of a trim.

“Hybrid tea roses benefit from being pruned down close to the base, so you’re left with around five buds on each stem," explained Fiona.

“For a climber, you can prune long, weedy-looking stems and tie promising shoots to your support structure.

“For patio and miniature roses, simply take out the old, unproductive wood, to give new shoots more room to grow and lightly prune to shape your plant."

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