Roses will grow bigger and last longer if you make sure to fdo a simple gardening task before 11am.
Katherine McPhillips and Katherine McPhillips
08:19, 14 Apr 2026
Roses will grow bigger and last longer if you make sure to fdo a simple gardening task before 11am. (Image: Bethany Leigh via Getty Images)
Rose buds ought to appear plump and on the verge of opening in April, but before you start admiring these stunning blooms, caution is needed when it comes to watering. While watering plants may appear straightforward, roses are particularly susceptible to disease during spring as spores thrive in standing water that gathers in puddles surrounding the soil.
Among the most damaging plant diseases roses can contract during this period is black spot, which drains their vitality and causes blooms to drop prematurely from the plant. Nevertheless, Teresa Byington – a seasoned gardener and founder of The Garden Diary – has revealed that protecting roses is straightforward provided you understand the correct timing for watering them.
Teresa said: “A good rule of thumb is to water in the morning instead of evening. We want to put the roses to bed as dry as possible so evening watering is tricky. Wet leaves are more susceptible to fungal diseases (e.g. black spot and powdery mildew).”
Roses are more likely to be infected by fungal disease or eaten by pests in spring(Image: Getty)
What is the best time to water roses?
A frequent error gardeners commit is watering at their convenience, typically after work during late afternoon or evening hours, but this practice can prove detrimental to roses over time.
Roses require sufficient time to take up water, and when watering occurs too late in the day they’re more prone to remaining damp through the night, which creates perfect conditions for fungal spores to flourish. Watering roses later in the day not only encourages disease, but damp soil overnight will attract slugs, aphids, and other nocturnal pests notorious for damaging roses.
It is equally vital to avoid watering roses after midday, as this is when the sun is at its peak and much of the water will evaporate before being absorbed into the soil.
Aim to water roses before 11 am where possible, with the optimum window being between 6 am and 9 am. This gives the roses ample time to absorb the water, helping them to withstand the warmer temperatures.
The best time to water roses is before 11am to help them grow healthier flowers(Image: Getty)
Why is it so important to water roses before 11am?
Watering not only hydrates your plants, but the moisture assists in transporting nutrients down to the roots, encouraging roses to produce larger, more impressive blooms.
Roses are at their most active during daylight hours, and a morning watering allows them to make full use of the additional nutrients for photosynthesis and energy storage.
While early morning watering may prove challenging for busy gardeners, it remains one of the most effective methods of keeping roses healthy during spring, when fungal diseases are particularly prevalent.
Roses will grow like crazy all year if a 5-minute gardening job is done in the morning(Image: Getty)
It also maximises the quality of blooms, as roses left sitting in water are more susceptible to rot and stress, which can significantly reduce flowering.
When rose buds are adequately hydrated as they begin to unfurl, they will be more robust, display richer colours, and appear fuller as they develop.
Maintaining a regular watering schedule early in the morning also helps blooms remain vibrant for extended periods and reduces the risk of them drying out during the summer months, ensuring the roses will endure far longer than they typically would.
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