How to Gather Seeds From a Rose Bush

Overview

Since the rose is related to the apple tree, it shouldn't come as any surprise that rose seeds appear at the core of an apple-like fruit known as a rose hip. Rose hips are usually about the size of a cherry, extremely tart and are a good source of vitamin C. The seeds themselves can be used to grow new rosebushes. Since rose bushes can take a number of years to grow from seeds, some rose enthusiasts prefer to graft new rose canes onto established roots. However, starting roses from seed is simple.

Step 1

Stop deadheading your roses in August, and allow your roses to form rose hips.

Step 2

Wait until just after the first frost to pick rose hips. The rose hips should be orange in color.

Step 3

Pull on gardening gloves to pick rose hips. Rose bushes have thorns, and picking rose hips with gardening gloves will protect your hands.

Step 4

Cut rose hips in half and scoop out the seeds from the rose hips. The seeds are very tough, and will not cut in half when the rose hips are cut.

Step 5

Mix a cup of water with one tsp. of bleach. Place in a clear glass.

Step 6

Drop rose seeds into the bleach solution.

Step 7

Skim the floating seeds off of the top of the solution and discard them. Floating seeds will not germinate.

Step 8

Strain remaining seeds out of the solution.

Step 9

Place seeds into an old film canister or small food container. Fill the remainder of the canister with peat moss.

Step 10

Store container in refrigerator at a 35-degree Fahrenheit minimum temperature for up to 60 days to induce seeds to spout.