Q. “My roses are starting to green up and bud out, when should I prune them for the spring? And should I put anything on the pruning cuts to protect them?"
A. Here in Wichita, our frost free date is April 15, give or take a week or so. That is why we say to delay pruning until all danger of frost is past. Last year we had a late March blizzard that caused buds to be killed.
White Glue is recommended to seal cuts on canes that are the size of a #2 pencil or larger. The glue will prevent cane borers from tunneling into the cane to lay their eggs; this can eventually kill the cane if it is not protected.
With clean, very sharp blades on your clippers make the cut above an outside bud eye at a 45 degree angle, about ¼ inch above the bud eye. Next, place a drop of glue on the cut and allow it to cure until it is firm and clear.
- Pat Horbelt
A. Here in Wichita, our frost free date is April 15, give or take a week or so. That is why we say to delay pruning until all danger of frost is past. Last year we had a late March blizzard that caused buds to be killed.
White Glue is recommended to seal cuts on canes that are the size of a #2 pencil or larger. The glue will prevent cane borers from tunneling into the cane to lay their eggs; this can eventually kill the cane if it is not protected.
With clean, very sharp blades on your clippers make the cut above an outside bud eye at a 45 degree angle, about ¼ inch above the bud eye. Next, place a drop of glue on the cut and allow it to cure until it is firm and clear.
- Pat Horbelt