You need to choose good roses for gardening. Here's how

When it comes to selecting a rose to grow, you need to consider the source of the rose, what grade it is, does it grow on a root stock or its own roots, and many other features.

When buying larger roses like hybrid tea from a company, the roses are usually shipped with bare roots. Bare root roses are graded into three grades based on the quality of development.

Grade one roses are the best and must have at least 3 canes at least 5/16 inch in diameter, while a grade 2 rose must have at least 2 canes at least 5/16 inch in diameter, while a grade 3 rose must have at least 1 strong cane at least 5/16 in diameter and at least 2 canes that are 1/4 inch in diameter.

We use a similar approach in selecting potted roses to buy at our local nursery. We first ensure that the roses fit the criteria for a grade 1 rose. Avoid buying boxed or bagged roses as most of these roses have their roots cut to fit in the bag or box and often have their canes dipped into wax to prevent them from dehydrating. Many are also grade 2 roses.

Most old garden roses and miniature roses are sold as “own root” roses, while most hybrid teas, grandifloras, and floribundas are sold as budded roses. “Own root” roses are produced from root cuttings taken from a rose of the same variety.

It can take two to three years before some “own root” roses are large enough to sell.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Oneida County answers home and garden questions which can be emailed to homeandgarden@cornell.edu or call 315-736-3394, press 1 and ext. 333. Leave your question, name and phone number. Questions are answered on weekdays, 8am to 4pm. Also, visit our website at http://cceoneida.com/ or phone 315-736-3394, press 1 and then ext.100.

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Here is what to consider when buying roses for your garden