Earth-Kind Roses® have been studied by Dr. Steve George, Texas A&M
University, and many volunteers. The requirements for growing the
varieties are phenominally "abusive":
- grown in high alkaline soil between 8 and 8.4 (roses prefer acid soil
around 6.5)
- test bed soil was not improved with amendments at any time during the
5-year study
- never fertilized
- never sprayed with fungicide or insecticide
- no supplimental watering after the first year
- never pruned other than to remove dead wood
To receive the "Earth-Kind" designation, the cutivars were required to:
- exhibit outstanding disease and insect tolerance/resistance
- produce spectacular blooms
- be the best varietites for organic management methods
- reduce the need for applications of pesticides/fungicides by 95%
As with any rose, "Earthkind" varieties should be planted where they
will receive at least 8 hours of sunlight each day in a location with
good air circulation. Texas A&M also recommends that roses not be
irrigated at night and that gardeners utilize thick applications of
mulch (3 - 4 inches thick) to insulate the root zone and guard against
moisture loss.
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This information was taken from American Rose magazine, September
2005. Article by Gaye Hammond,
Houston Rose Society. To volunteer to grow rose varieties in the
running for "National Earth-Kind" designation, or for further
information, please contact her at gayeh @ oqlaw.com (no spaces).
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