Whats happening in the rose industry

As this year comes to a close for us, there have been many changes in the industry. We found our company trying to pick up the slack for others this year. I believe that over the next few years the rose industry will go through some dramatic changes. This year brought many shortages of roses for several different reasons. There was a freeze in California that ruined, what we are being told, over half a million knock out roses. The Texas Valley was infested by a down mildew disease that seemed to wipe out thier entire rose crop. One of the largest and most well known rose bush and seed companies declared bankruptcy. The changes and problems of this year turned out to be a positive situation for us and a negative for us. I launched our web site this year, http://www.sextonnurseries.com/. I went live with the new retail site in December and had to zero out my inventory on April 1st. The reason we elected to zero out our inventory was that our major retailers were being told that they could not get the potted roses they were promised. We elected to pot all of the rose bushes we were holding to sell as bare root online. We also had to purchase a few hundred thousand roses on the open market. We also elected to pick up a few small accounts that were not being serviced by thier existing suppliers. We increased the number of states we supplied Lowe's and increased the number of plants we were suppling to our states. Needless to say, the effects of all the changes in our industry this year will be felt for a few years. In the rose business, if you supply a good product, you have to plan three years in advance. Our rose bushes are two year field grown bushes. This means that we need to plan three years in advance so we have the right amount of plants in the ground. I will also give credit to the producers of the knock out rose. They are working hard to keep the knock out rose a strong product that will sell and perform as expected for many years. With all this being said, if you are a retailer, you had better be planning you business and selecting good plants. Every industry will eventually clean its self up, just take a look at the banking and auto industry. The weak will go by the way side and the strong will continue to produce good quality products. Don't allow an inferior product or supplier to take you down with them. If you waite untill next Spring to line up roses for next year, you will get the same or less quality than had this year or worse, you may end up with out product. Plan, Plan, Plan!!!

It is that time!!!

Wow is color hitting us fast. I believe we have our best crop of roses ever. The tree roses are blooming and look beautiful.

Time to plant!!!

For most of the country it's that wonderful time to begin thinking about your gardens and flower beds. This is the perfect time to begin planting bare root rose bushes. For the extreme norther states, you will want to waite until March, but for the rest of us, let's get dirty! The bare root rose bushes should be the first thing planted as the weather starts to clear and the days seem to get a little warmer. Planting them early allows you to also have a begining piont to plan the rest of your flower garden. Roses are so many times the focal point of a garden or a bed. That's why they are the perfect starting point. This allows you to plan out the rest of the garden and match plants that will compliment the rose and highlight it's beauty. Aperfect example is the Mr. Lincoln. It's deep red blooms and dark foliage would be perfectly matched with a light pink accent plant like the coral or pink colored zinnia. The size is perfect as they grow to between 12" and 18". They will not over take the Mr. Lincoln in hieght, but will be the perfect compliment. Planning your garden will be fun, but don't let it overwhelm you. Choose your rose varieties now and you will have all spring to fill in around them. Most important, go have some good ole fashioned dirty fun!

Where do I find the best rose bushes for my money

There are many sources of good plants out there today, but as we all know or will soon find out the opposite also applies. Just because the company has a well know name dosen't mean they are providing a good product. There are many large suppliers in trouble today due to a bad economy or poor managment. The short cuts they are willing to take will cause you more time, money and frustration that any plant is worth. Make sure your rose bush is at least a two year old field grow plant. This means that it was not grown in a container from its origin. Field grown roses have the oppertunity to stretch out and grow strong roots and stalks. Many people ask about the root stalk they are grown from. I personaly don't give as much concern to this, because our bushes are field grown for two years. We use Dr. Huey's root stalks. We have found that they do considerably well in a wide range of climates. At sextonnurseries.com, if a customer is not satisfied with the plants they receive, we will work to correct the situation. We are looking for your second order, not your first.

When and how do I prune my rose bush

Pruning rose bushes is important to encourage new growth and help develop large full healthy rose bushes. In the winter months you will want most of the nutrients to go to support the stalk and root system. Cut and remove any branches that cross through the center of the plant. Cut and remove 1/3 of the length of each branch. This will remove a large portion of the leaves and branches. This will leave the branches larger and stronger each year. The best time to cut back a rose bush is just after the first frost. Remember, always discard all dead branches and leaves. Completely remove them from the area of the rose bush. This will cut down on the spreading of disease or mold.

Planting Bare Root Roses

Planting a bare root rose is the easiest way to begin a bueatiful new rose garden or just enjoy a single rose bush. After ordering your rose bush from sextonnurseries.com, you will receive it with in two weeks. Un pack the bush and inspect for damage. The stalks should be a nice green color. The roots should be a nice size. We sell only two year field grown rose bushes. This allows our customers to receive a more mature plant. The mature plants have a higher rate of success. Place the plant in a bucket of luke warm water, room temperature is perfect. Allow the plant to soak up water for 24 hours. You are now ready to plant the rose. The rose bush has an onion ball. It is the knotty looking ball or mass located on the trunk between the roots and stalks or branches. This mass needs to be above the dirt line. Dig your hole and place good fertile soil around the roots. Pete moss or a potting soil mixture helps if available. Once you plant your bush, water it every few days, in dry climates water it every day for the first few weeks. Feed the plant rose food with in one week and once a quarter from then on. I hope it brings you years of enjoyment.