Most gardeners grow roses from cuttings or by buying plants at the store, but did you know you can grow roses from seeds, too? September is a good time to collect seeds from rose hips if you’re curious about trying this fun and patient method of rose growing.
To collect seeds, you’ll need rose hips that have fully ripened. They should be orange, red, or even a deep purple, and feel soft when you gently squeeze them. Cut them open carefully with a knife, and you’ll find tiny seeds inside. These are what you’ll plant.
First, rinse the seeds in water to clean off any sticky pulp. Some people soak them in a mild bleach solution to kill mold, but you can also just use plain water. After they’re clean, spread them out to dry on a paper towel for a day or two.
Rose seeds need a cold rest before they can grow. This is called “stratification.” Put the seeds in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag and store them in the fridge for about 10 to 12 weeks. Don’t freeze them—just keep them cool and moist.
Before growing roses from seeds, it’s important to know that some roses are protected by patents. These may include plant patents or utility patents. A utility patent protects how a plant is made, including the special steps or ingredients used to create a new kind of rose. If a rose has a utility patent, it is against the law to grow, sell, or share plants or seeds from it without permission. Always check if a rose is patented before planting or sharing it.
Growing roses from seeds takes time and patience, but it’s very rewarding. You never know what kind of rose you’ll get—it might even be a brand new variety! It’s like a mystery gift from your garden.