Epsom Salts for Roses

There are a few stories going around about epsom salts and roses. The mythology attributes epsom salts properties of deterring pests, improving basal breaks, helping with transplants/rooting - and promoting healthier leaves and flowers. These stories appear to be unsupported by science. Here's a WSU article on the folklore:
s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/4...
If your roses are deficient in magnesium, epsom salts can be useful, but without a soil test I'd advise caution. Also, consider dolomite lime as a slower releasing alternative to correcting soil magnesium deficiency.
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[@sydrizvi2914]

You said "A lot of incorrect information on Net". What's the guarantee your's is correct?

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

No guarantees. It's a win if you look at all the information with skepticism. I can back up what I say in this vid if you have questions, but really , so long as you're asking questions, you probably won't believe the magical-sounding claims about epsom salts to begin with.

[@ericm7994]

if you need this kind sir to tell you there is alot of incorrect information on the internet.. .. that is all

[@TeriMcFarlan]

RIZVI MOHSIN the man does this for a living

[@robertmmiles9921]

If you have no idea what you're fixing don't do anything because a mistake will make it worst. You're nutrients will damage your plants to little will slow

[@worldpeace5853]

Rizvi Mohsin - Common sense says that you can verify a lot on internet or just take another opinion with anybody you like. This video isn’t about money back guarantee. You need to work off your butt as well!

[@colleencharles2302]

Well I'm 72 and I've been growing roses for over 50 years and some of mine are over 30 years old.....I have a climber that was my dad's when I was little so it's probably close to 60 years old. I put it in the ground when I plant them, I top dress with Epsom salts in the spring and use coffee grounds and make a tea when I fertilize....coffee grounds, Epsom salts and the Rose fertilizer every 6 weeks. I live in Michigan. I have all kinds.. floribunda, tea and just plain old roses and they are beautiful, get tons of compliments on them and they are strong and hardy. I also use it on my blueberry plants. I guess what works for me might not work for someone else. I do enjoy your channel and you have some great advice.

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Thanks Colleen. You're so right: what works well for one gardener may not work for another, depending on the properties of the soil.

[@saltlifegull4091]

Awesome Colleen! Great advice, I'm on it:)

[@Paul-tm6lw]

Correlation does not equal causation. How do you know for sure that Epsom salts help? There is no scientific basis for using epsom salts in the garden, at least not that I’ve seen

[@madhumitabose987]

Thanks Colleen for giving your very good experience of roses plant... I have lot of roses plant in the garden,they are more than 15 years old...actually I am not giving so much fertilizer to my garden, not so experienced of that...once in a year give cow dung.....but now I have learn about Epson salt, have plan to try this....

[@lizjoe21750]

I'm in SE Michigan and have always used epsom salts, as well. I come from a long line of expert rose growers and the trick, if you will, has been passed down for generations and is still working beautifully for me. I also add aspirin to the soil once or twice a season (not right on top of the plant, of course, but well within range) and it helps.

[@thomasperry3401]

The most cogent, logical advice I've found on KZbin for rose growing and maintenance. And it is clearly and simply presented.

[@canicefarrell8601]

Hhgbb.

[@canicefarrell8601]

Hyhhhhh

[@crespoopserc]

Agreed!

[@juju-rt8ek]

Ha. You and I have the same name. I'm a rose grower also...all my life

[@jhorvath700]

Often, excess nutrients in a plant will appear having deficiency characteristics; I always apply less than recommended and observe after 10 - 21 days (a couple of weeks) and feed, or not, accordingly. Observation and patience are equally important to action. Thanks Jason.

[@fannyfreckle]

THANK YOU! Great info, clear and informative. I LOVE the “fertilizer budget” idea! That makes so much sense, and I will start using for my entire garden. I’m still learning gardening and love to just throw down everything imaginable. I got my first rose last week and already, carelessly watered it in a rush...not considering it was the hottest time of day...burnt leaves, lesson learned. But I’m excited to learn how to grow this beauty. So many folks grow them in my area, that I can’t resist giving them a try. And right now, one live rose bush cost the same at Lowe’s as one bunch of the cut roses my hubby gets me from the grocery store!

[@jazzcanada2001]

THANK YOU JASON! I BELIEVE IN YOU A HUNDRED PERCENT! I have learned a lot from all of your videos! KEEP ‘EM COMING!

[@dianaromero7611]

Great information, I love my roses 🌹, you are easy to listen to.

[@kbld1]

Thank you - always great info, appreciated as a professional gardener.

[@claudettewade437]

Thank you so much for that information. I just purchased some roses to plant and the timing couldn't be better for your information. Thanks again

[@donnafarmer3904]

This is an excellent video. Thank you for consistently good information. I learned to grow roses many years ago as a child with my grandfather as my teacher. Thank you for your time and for putting this good, sound info out there.

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

I appreciate the feedback and encouragement Donna

[@Demebeso714]

As always your video is crystal clear concise and full of information.. thanks!

[@yvonnedoherty7666]

Thankyou for your knowledgeable advice. And it common sense to a degree my grandparents grew beautiful flowers and veg and there was no commercial fertilisers used ( I am 79)

[@marymary5494]

👌 I’m delighted to have found your channel.

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Thanks for the encouragement!

[@TramAiKhanh]

Thank you so much for a short but comprehensive lesson about epsom salt and fertilizer for roses. Your expertise and generosity are much appreciated. God bless you and yours (your rose farm included). 🙏😍

[@christinalw19]

Thank you, Jason! Another bit of good advice! 🌹🌹🌹

[@tumnali82]

I love the way you explain your points,give clarifications and also the way you communicate the topic on hand. Im a newbie in gardening and growing roses,and I thank you for your insights and hints.😊😊

[@kinghoohoo8782]

Glad to find your channel with rose cultivating information applied to the plant hardiness zone where i live. I am also impressed by your presentation supported by scientific research results.

[@barry7608]

Good to hear someone who knows what he is talking about.....thanks for the vid

[@boomchicaboomboom]

I soak any roses I transplant, or buy bare root, in epsom salt 24 hrs before planting. I have done this for a few years now. This yr I started adding fish emulsion in with the Epsom salt mixture then poured it all into the hole as the first planting watering solution. Boy, has it helped my Neil Diamond Rose to become established! Also, I later added liquid kelp to the mixture during my monthly organic fertilization schedule. I also top dressed with alfalfa pellets soaked in water as a beginning of the year fertilizer. So far, so good.

[@elviramcintosh9878]

Phew! Thanks for this. I was about to plant a wonderful rose and you've probably saved its health with this video. Thank you. Greetings from Australia.

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Happy to help Elvira

[@janetcorey5102]

Always good solid advice and always learning from you. Thank you🌷

[@oui-nonmaybe2127]

Teacher gives you a big A+ in your presentation young man ~ : ) Very interesting and I love the Keep it Simple expressions and content, the best! Thanks for sharing your experience .

[@stephaniecarter4563]

WOW!! First ever for someone to give you the best advice. There’s so much advice out there on roses. I’ve learned a lot from my grandmother and he knows what he’s talking about. Thank you, Thank you so much for trying to help us out. 👍😉

[@nalinip2473]

Thanks a lot Jason, very helpful advice👍

[@drsvs]

Thanks for doing this video. Reality can be unsettling.

[@andrewfradale275]

Thank you! Your explanation was direct & I found it had a lot of common sense. Better to go slow & watch what happens to your plants, you can always add a slight amount more, but you can never take back too much! Happy Planting!

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Well said. Thanks!

[@PDAV5]

Thank you! Always such sound information!

[@dawntaylor165]

Thank you for being an educated grower. I'm subscribing.

[@-ShootTheGlass-]

I feed my plants liquid fish fert, dissolved Epsom salts and a dash of “hope” and so far roses and veggies are doing fine. Thanks for posting. 👍

[@JamesWhite-tg4kw]

Do you make your own fish fertilizer

[@vanesanchezk]

Loved this video, thanks for the info!

[@patriciancube394]

Very informative. Thanks for sharing .

[@lindafrost6292]

Good information, thank you for this video.

[@michelleh7587]

I was ready to put Epsom salts on my roses until I watched your video! So glad I found you 👍

[@MegaYourkidding]

Thank you for your information about roses

[@jagman1953]

Excellent info!! Thank you !

[@MobinSG]

Thanks for your info and time

[@kathystarnes6744]

Such great information! I’m glad I didn’t apply the epsom. You provide a great source of information and in a way that is so easy to understand. Thank you for what you do!

[@bcu567obzx]

Your presentation was clear and precise, I thoroughly agree with your methodology as I have learned the hard way. Oh I must say you went straight to the point and I like that, you didn't waffle on. Dolomite is simply wonderful in the garden and especially roses, although it does take a few months to really work correctly but is worth it in the end.

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Thanks Peter!

[@henrysangmaster4143]

I tried this trick with petunias and It actually turned the flowers from purple to white! Good advice Jason

[@melenelewis2955]

Once again .....excellent information and explained very well...THANKS

[@rakeelhosein7977]

Thanks , I’m learning a lot from you 💯💫

[@mattieburton9896]

Thank you Sir. I’ll take good science over anecdote all day long!

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Thanks Mattie

[@galepatrick8839]

Thank you for info its my first time to have a rose plant

[@davedunington7637]

Thank YOU for your informed opinion.... I appreciate it ..... Thanks Again.

[@charlesbale8376]

Very helpful, thank you for sharing.

[@vgil1278]

We really need what you're doing-rebutting old wives tales. Sometimes I wonder if these people have ANY first hand experience. So thanks!

[@lyndamodeste7902]

I agree, its like when they say use milk for iron deficiency just crazy. Great video Jason

[@patriciashanks5870]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@hatgiongnhapkhaunguyenbaobi]

great info,

[@annsmith4897]

Thank you for your smart information 🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@markruffner9143]

Very good video. Thank you.

[@teddibrownbrown3620]

Thank you so much. Very helpful.

[@stevenspencer9104]

Brother, thank you so very much. I can’t tell you the times that you have blessed our Homestead here. Just too many to mention. God bless you and your family and your business which you have worked very hard to achieve.

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Thanks so much Steven - I appreciate the encouragement!

[@stevenspencer9104]

@@FraserValleyRoseFarm You are so very welcome my brother. Keep up the good work you are blessingin many many folks. Because what you teach me, I’ll pass along.

[@judyingram4846]

Thank you so much for this information.❤️

[@joewitous6281]

This was very helpful. Thanks!

[@NewfiePete]

I find your video spot on. Last year after watching and following a few youTube videos on how to use Epson salts for my roses I followed instructions and nearly killed my rose bushes; very few blooms. This year I didn't use it at all and my bushes are blooming beautifully.

[@my_garden.secrets]

Thank you for your very elaborate reasoning. 😊❤❤🥰👏👏🌺🌺🌺

[@user-pq2pm5lm1k]

Very informative, thanks.

[@laureenejackson1441]

Thznk for sharing this important information.

[@aieshathwaheeda3259]

thank you

[@jeanhawken4482]

Great info many thanks

[@Shuttlefield]

I've always noticed that fertilisers designed for roses have a tweek extra of Mg in them and always assumed that this was perhaps just because roses as a family had a slightly higher draw on magnesium. I'm aware that at the heart of each chlorophyll molecule there is an atom of Mg, hence the lack of green during deficiency and that along with calcium and sulphur was considered between the volumes of the 3 major macro nutrients and the trace elements below. This was great cause for thought and always find your videos engaging and informative , many thanks Jason.

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Thanks!

[@veronicapang9905]

Thank you sir , very useful !

[@noinasuk9022]

Thank you for sharing. Once i try to find Epsom salt for my roses.

[@sherrywalker4619]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@mtngrammy6953]

Great info! Just makes so much sense not to take a vitamin if your body doesn't need it. Love your videos and I AM a subscriber.

[@bcu567obzx]

Am I really listening to an American that does not use "mmmmm and Ahhhhhh" while delivering a talk, Jason your lessons are beautifully presented and great to listen to, thanks so much from Windang Australia.

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Thanks Peter - my pleasure!

[@MillieOsborne]

Because...he is not an American! 🇨🇦

[@Ms7of8]

Says the Australian. Got it.

[@hazelhatswell4268]

I totally agree! Jason has become my ‘go to expert’ 👍. Brittany, France 🇫🇷

[@summer._._.1988]

Peter G., I totally agree with you, l cannot take any more of the - aaaaaa, bbbbb, Mmmm, and ahahahah. It's simply so annoying. This gentleman is straight to the point and delivers good news. 😊

[@SuMaria24]

Great video. Thanks

[@valjalava1951]

Good advice

[@haitch04]

Hard to argue if you're not a horticulturalist but I can honestly say I started using epsom salts in my watering can once a month and the improvement in plant greenery, flower colour and general well being is there to see. I also saw a YT video of a lady who raised two identical plants in pots, watered one with an Epsom salt solution and the other plain water and again the difference was striking. I also water this solution once a month into pots and hanging baskets to good effect.

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

It's always possible that your soil is lacking magnesium, and that epsom salts is solving a deficiency. I'll make the case that the proper comparison is not between epsom salts vs. nothing at all, but rather epsom salts vs. a properly balanced fertilizer mix.

[@haitch04]

@@FraserValleyRoseFarm Thank you for your reply and advice.

[@angelarivas7579]

I have been using Epson salt for about 3 weeks and my plants are blooming and growing faster already

[@harishkaria5644]

Very good information , yes You are right I have been using Epsom salt on most of my plants , & yes they don’t seem to be doing or helping them at all.

[@Max-nt7ho]

Ok, lesson learnt: keep the Epsom salts I use for soaking my feet away from my roses. Thx. 😊

[@muthusamyseerangan8145]

First time I used apsom salt on my potted rose plant, after 5 days surprised to see a healthier plant with brownish new leaves. Also a new redish shoot popping from the base of the plant,

[@jeanninevermeulen7794]

thank you most helpfull

[@hasmukhpatel7972]

Thanks

[@robertas5171]

Thank you!

[@elitzarey]

Its so hard to keep them pretty at 118 degrees here in Vegas🥺 and i got so many of them the ones that do great every year is blue girl, mirandy, chris everret, rio samba, falling in love, all my loving, chicago peace tropicana and some others but i planted around 80, so far, this is good info!!!! Thanks

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Thanks for the feedback, and best luck with your roses.

[@eckehareckbert2731]

My Mr Lincoln bloomed for 2yrs in all seasons except winter, and was wondering last summer and now autumn, despite same treatments, has stopped blooming, so I remember suddenly the acidity of soil. I have spare epsom salt, dissolved in the water, and watered, and now after 2 weeks, 2 buds are showing up. I think it works for me. I agree for the manageable use of nutrients too

[@rebeccawhite2402]

Thank you so much for these wonderful and helpful tips, some of which I suspected relating to lack of air flow and not enough water.

[@Blue_Azure101]

When I get a recommendation from Jason I always assume it’s the latest upload only to realize this was four years ago and this guy doesn’t age lol

[@barbll000]

I never believed the claims about salt so thanks for the confirmation.

[@isopath1]

It's not salt Barbara. MgS isn't

[@DLFfitness1]

Thanks 🙏🏽

[@JoshWeaverRC]

You seem to have many more views on your videos than you do subscribers. I don't ask for subscribers either, but you seem to have a lot of momentum. Consider a gentle reminder for people to subscribe. Your videos are great is why I have watched so many and not once saw that. Either way. Good stuff.

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Thanks. I'm still learning as I go, but thanks for the suggestion.

[@teddibrownbrown3620]

Loved you videos and subscribed. You are bright and informed. There is much misinformation on the internet.

[@mayanksumbh4451]

Thanks alot for your Information. Can you please make video on how to cure Die back and ways to fix blind shoots. Thanks in advance.

[@filipasilva9531]

Wow this was fun. I just purchased today 2 bags of fairy dust. Now I guess I'm using it on my feet 😂😂😂 I love your videos

[@nutzhazel]

Same with me lol Just bought 1kg of fairy dust now I'm gonna use it on my feet too! 😁

[@mariemcgrath8681]

I like your comments,

[@heatrick1]

I just found your channel, and really like it. Can you do a short video on fertilizing roses. Maye you cover this in another video.

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Hi Rick. It's on my wish list of videos to make... and thanks for watching!

[@bryancrawford8659]

Hi, I have come to gardening late in life and am specialising in roses. I recognised the value early on of your advice because it is scientifically based. I still looked at other gardeners videos. I now realise this was a BIG mistake. Reference Epsom Salts. How can these other "experts" get it so wrong ?. I give my roses a decent size feed of farmyard manure manure each spring and they thrive on it.I now realise after watching your video that the addition of epsom salts to my plants would have been 100% incorrect.In future you will be my sole source of rose advice.Many thanks.Bryan

[@reymundagehart8720]

@ Brian Crawford...NOBODY is perfect. My mother had a green thumb keeping any kind of flower blooming. I don't know how she did it but her plants were beautiful and always blooming.

[@michelleketr9988]

My roses have a clear magnesium deficiency and will get the lime!

[@kathystarnes6744]

I only use Espoma Bio Tone when planting and then Rose tone in the spring with a second application early summer

[@Blue_Azure101]

The magnesium is used for chlorophyll and sulfates work over time to acidify soil. What they forgot to mention is that you also need some bacteria and fungi to help the plants absorb those micronutrients. I never add fertilizer by itself. I always dissolve some inoculant and plant bacteria with the fertilizer.

[@nannettenorris9537]

you are such a help. NNo Nannette

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Thanks Nannette

[@caly2108]

i put coffee+egg shells+cinnamon in my rose plant

[@pamwright6626]

Does this help! And if so in what proportion? Thank you!

[@reymundagehart8720]

The main thing is to keep your rose bushes blooming .My mother had a green thumb. I don't know how she did it but she never used all these plant foods and epsom salt. Her plants bloomed all summer long.

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Some people have a knack for it - but honestly, the roses want to thrive, so it's more often just a matter of maintenance pruning and adequate water and manure or compost.

[@LawrenceLearBear5]

I just pour my tank water on the soil when I do aquarium changes on my fish, roses grow like crazy with tons of flowers!

[@mystijkissler8183]

Great videos and imformation. You're a natural and a pleasure. Thank you for your contribution to the stumbling masses. I'm almost at the "Just Quit" phase, as I've made every horrid mistake there is to make from drowning myself in pesticides and fungicides trying to control Thrip here in the woods of eastern Washington, to taking the neighbors bad advise that I needed to use anti-bacterial soap (Dawn) in my solution for pest control. I've killed countless plants "winging it". I need a daily/weekly calendar and log (journal) to follow......remembering what needs what is hell. lol

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Thanks for the feedback and encouragement. I don't do too much about minor pests or foliar disease, and even when it comes to fertilizing and pruning sometimes "less is more". Best luck the garden, and if you have any questions, I'm happy to help where I can.

[@nickilovesdogs8137]

Dr. Rudolf Steiner recommends organic self made compost instead of any isolated chemicals.

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Thanks Nicki. Steiner was an interesting guy - and pretty instrumental in the early development of the organic movement. No surprise that he would have favored more natural amendments.

[@crespoopserc]

Your average normal guy giving just great advice on one of the most popular flowers of all time! Going way back to Persia. To think people buy these flowers in stores and have no idea exactly what they are buying.

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Thanks Douglas

[@1antiquenut539]

How do you get rid of Witches broom.I can’t find any nursery that’s heard of it.

[@jo-annandrews1904]

I wish you where my neighbour……..your gardening skills and my baking skills. ….We would be 2 peas in a pod..🤗😊

[@SmallWonda]

You know you've taken a great weight off my mind! All my life I've believed the Old Wives Tales that Epsom Salts were your roses BEST friend! When we moved to Australia & finally had a home of our own I had to have roses! Our 1st property had very heavy clay soil parts of which the roses liked, but the part which meant it turned to concrete in summer, they didn't, so many things were hampered in their growth by this. I also belive horse manure (well rotted) or chicken poo is very good, and we are lucky here in having good supplies of kelp-based fertilizers, liquid & compost which the plants mostly seem to love, & I rather like that seaside smell - also don't have to worry about dogs digging for bones! But I've not been able to get Epsom Salts, the small packs I've seen were much too expensive to chuck on the garden! So the roses have had to survive with top dressings of blood & bone, sometimes complex slow-release Rose Feed, compost, pea straw or sugar cane mulch. And for the most part they're not doing too badly, I'm probably too tentative in my pruning, as much because the roses are often an unknown entity and just when they are starting to look great along comes Mrs Possum & clan and chomp-chomp all the new shots are eaten and many lovely shots are snapped off or damaged... Maybe they'd like Epsom Salts?! It's also hard go for me these days carrying watering cans or heavy buckets, we have nearly an acre of garden, & we're both exhausted - any suggestions on the 'easiest' best (balanced) feed for my roses & would that be any use for camellias, fruit trees or other flowering shrubs? And how would you know if you're over-doing the feeding? Thanks for what seems to be very sensible advice (I'm guessing you went to college for this? Lovely part of the world, Fraser River country). 🙏🐾🦘👍

[@FraserValleyRoseFarm]

Thanks - I also did a more general video on fertilizer for roses: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2PPampnpLxgeqM But what I use is pretty similar to you (with your manure, compost and organic mulch) - alfalfa pellets from the feed store have been my mainstay to feed the soil.

[@SmallWonda]

@@FraserValleyRoseFarm Thanks, Jason, shall watch with interest... Every little HELPS! :)

[@yvettegordonunstoppable360]

I’m