The best time is after it warms up so that the microbes in the ground have a chance to do their thing. As long as you do not drown the rose with too much water it is almost impossible to overdose your roses with tea.

Lance

I have never tried the Alfalfa Tea on my roses. I do however use the pellets every six weeks or so and I think my roses like it immenseley.
JOhn

thanks. I just went to get some pellets and fish emulsion today. Time to get brewing....

I've done the tea as often as every two weeks. I use the basic alfalfa tea and alternate with additions to fortify it. I've already applied it several times this year....in fact I did it yesterday.

Just made up my vat. 15 Cups Alfalfa, 2 Cup Epsom, and Fish Emulsion. Gonna let it sit for about a week and a half or so. How soon do the results become "obvious" in your opinion? Should this be given to newly planted roses, as in bareroots? (Gypsy and Dawn Climber)

I wouldn't give it to the newly planted roses as of yet. I would wait and let them establish their roots first. You can always add some alfalfa pellets to the hole when planting.

The results won't take long to see. Basal breaks, new red growth, and healthy foliage should become obvious within a week or so of application.

Can't wait to try it out. Just playing the waiting game now. The web it talking this stuff up like its is flat out amazing result wise. Hope i'm not the exception,(as usual in the the garden:))

Be forewarned that it stinks! (or maybe mine stunk worse than others because I added a small shovelful of semicomposted horse manure - boy oh boy!). I started this year doing the tea thing and I think my roses do look a bit healthier. You will also have a lot of residue at the bottom of your can; I was astounded at how much the pellets expanded. I just spread the extra stuff around my beds.