And do I just plant them in the ground, or do I have to pot them first?

Carol

"Bare root" just refers to plants sold without soil, usually grafted plants and the thing you get in any big box store. I think you mean own root roses, which are usually smaller plants and often grown in bands. I just plant my own roots in the ground as soon as I get them. I always see flowers in the first year but I admit it may take 2 or 3 years to obtain good-sized plants this way. Assuming you keep the plants well watered and fed, the major factor limiting growth is probably soil temperature. In my zone 5, I am confident that potted plants will have higher soil temperatures than plants in the ground, especially in Spring and early Summer, and will make more growth. If I weren't so lazy, I'd probasbly pot up my bands and wait until late summer to put them in the ground

Thanks, Mike!

I think it would be tons easier to plant the bare roots right into the ground. If it takes a bit longer, well c'est la vie.

I'm hoping to get about 39 roses!

Carol

Start digging holes..Sometimes I dig holes before the fall frost and keep them open with any old plastic pot...I fill that pot (sunken in the new hole) with goodies for the soil. When the bare roots arrive in April I just pop out the plastic container and I am ready to go. Bare roots are 2 yrs. old. Mature plants ready to bloom. I even do this with babies ( Bands), and depending on the rose they have done beautifully. Bloom second year

Thanks Susan - It's a relief to know that they're 2 years old. I don't think I'll ever pay $30.00/rose again! BAre roots are the way to go!

Carol