Regional Growing Guide: So. California Coastal & Inland Valleys
From the sunny beaches of California to the blistering deserts of the Southwest, this region is marked by nearly year-round sunshine and little rain. Roses bloom from April through December in the more temperate parts, while they take a rest during August and September in the great deserts, where searing temperatures vary little between day and night. There, roses have two seasons: spring and fall, with peak blooming in April and October. Ample irrigation is key. Soils may be alkaline or sand: it's important to amend with plenty of organic matter. The best roses are heat tolerant, and tend to bear darker leaves and bloom in more intensely saturated colors.
Select a season: Spring Early Summer Late Summer Fall
Recipes
Grandma's Rose Refresher
If you have lots of fragrant red roses, you can make rose water for use in skin toner; to float candles in for a party; or for cooking, just like generations of women did before you.
Ingredients
2 cups fresh rose petals, tightly packed
spring water
Preparation
Place rose petals in an enamel pan with enough spring water to cover them all, then heat the mix almost -- but not quite -- to the boiling point. Remove pan from heat and set aside to cool. Then pour through cheesecloth into a clean glass jar. The rosewater will be pink and fragrant for a couple of days.
Tea, Anyone?
As long as you grow your roses organically, why not make your own iced tea? First, fill each cell of an ice cube tray half full of water and freeze. Then put a rose petal or tiny bud in each cell, fill with water and freeze. Let some rose flowers go until they form solid hips, then harvest them. Make a fresh tea infusion with about 2 tablespoons hips in 1-1/2 cups of boiling water. Taste and sweeten if necessary, then chill and serve over rose cubes.