How to Grow Culinary Rose in New Zealand
Rugosa and damask roses are the main culinary types, grown for fragrant petals and rugosa's large hips. Only ever use unsprayed flowers in the kitchen. Plant bare-root in winter, then feed and prune as you would any rose; rugosa types are the most disease-resistant.
When to plant culinary rose in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | June, July, August, September |
| Auckland | June, July, August, September |
| Waikato & BoP | June, July, August, September |
| Wellington | June, July, August, September |
| Nelson & Marlborough | June, July, August, September |
| Canterbury | June, July, August, September |
| Otago & Southland | June, July, August, September |
| Central Otago | June, July, August, September |
Best culinary rose varieties for NZ
- Rosa rugosa — Tough, disease-resistant shrub rose with fragrant petals and large edible hips. Low-maintenance and hardy. (Wairere Nursery, Trinity Farm)
- Damask Rose (Rosa damascena) — Intensely scented heritage rose, the classic source of rose petals and rosewater. Best in a sunny spot. (Trinity Farm, Tasman Bay Roses)
How to grow culinary rose
- Space plants about 100cm apart.
- Sow seed around 15cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 365 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 21 days.
Companion planting
Grow culinary rose near: Lavender, Garlic, Chives.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Aphids, Black spot. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Culinary Rose plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant culinary rose in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in June, July, August, September. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy culinary rose seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Wairere Nursery, Trinity Farm, Tasman Bay Roses.