Growing Roses in January Thaws

Even though we grow our flowers inside greenhouses, I’m always paying close attention to the weather, especially this time of year with our Valentine’s Day crop growing on the rose bushes.

Sunlight is a critical factor. This week has brought a snowfall as well as a “January thaw” that has been welcomed by many. The night temperatures stayed in the 40’s, and the days pushed into the 50’s. The sun, however, all but disappeared earlier this week with clouds, drizzle, and fog replacing the bright sunshine of just a few days earlier.

While it is easier to heat the greenhouses during a thaw, I much prefer the weather that we had last week. The days were cold and windy, but the sun was shining strong all day. With all that sunshine, the greenhouses warmed right up to tropical levels and you can practically see the rose bushes respond to the bright light. This week, however, we have a nice covering of white snow on the ground that acts like a mirror, redirecting many of the sun’s rays that fall outside up into our greenhouses.

This is a fairly common weather pattern this time of year here in the northeast; the cold arctic weather brings lots of sunshine, while the warmer January thaws bring warm and dark conditions. I understand those who prefer the warmer weather, but as a rose grower, give me the cold, sunny days anytime!