How to Grow Midas Touch Rose
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Midas Touch Rose
Rosa 'Midas Touch'
flowerMidas Touch is a stunning hybrid tea rose known for its deep golden-yellow blooms with excellent fragrance and disease resistance. The flowers are large, full-petaled, and perfect for cutting, making it a favorite among gardeners and florists. This vigorous rose variety produces long stems ideal for arrangements and is relatively easy to maintain.
When should you plant Midas Touch Rose in your zone?
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Example Midas Touch Rose timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Midas Touch Rose
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Midas Touch Rose blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Midas Touch Rose dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9, with best performance in zones 6-8
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Establishment
4-6 weeksNew rose planted with initial shoots emerging; foliage may be sparse
Water regularly to establish roots; protect from extreme weather; avoid heavy pruning; mulch around base to retain moisture
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeksVigorous cane growth with dark green foliage; plant builds structure and multiple stems
Continue consistent watering; apply balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks; remove any dead or diseased wood; monitor for pests
Budding
3-4 weeksFlower buds form at stem tips, gradually enlarging and showing golden-yellow color
Maintain consistent moisture; increase phosphorus in fertilizer to support blooming; remove any weak buds near base; protect from strong winds
Flowering
2-4 weeks per bloom cycleLarge, double golden-yellow blooms open fully with rich fragrance; petals are soft and velvety
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms; provide afternoon shade in hot climates; mist lightly in morning if needed; continue regular watering
Maintenance & Dormancy
Variable; ongoing through seasonPlant may continue blooming through season; begins slowing growth in fall; prepares for dormancy in winter
Reduce fertilizing in late summer/fall; prune lightly in fall (heavy pruning in spring); apply winter protection in zones 5-6; clean up fallen debris
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs; strong water spray can dislodge them
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Increase humidity by misting; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; remove heavily infested leaves
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid wetting foliage; apply sulfur dust or baking soda spray; remove infected leaves
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No cure; remove and destroy infected plants; control rose rosette mite vectors with miticide; purchase virus-free stock
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Hand-pick in early morning; use pheromone traps away from rose; apply neem oil in evening; use insecticidal spray if severe
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Improve air circulation; water at soil level only; remove infected leaves; apply fungicide like sulfur or copper; clean up fallen leaves
Uses
Edible flowers and decoration
CulinaryMidas Touch rose petals can be used as an edible garnish for desserts, salads, and cocktails. Ensure no pesticides have been applied to blooms intended for consumption. [source]
Cut flowers and arrangements
CraftThis variety is prized by florists and gardeners for its large, perfect blooms with long stems ideal for cutting. The golden-yellow color and fragrance make it excellent for wedding bouquets, centerpieces, and formal arrangements. [source]
Fragrance and perfumery
HouseholdMidas Touch roses produce a rich, sweet fragrance that makes them valuable for homemade pot-pourri, dried flower arrangements, and fragrant home décor. The scent intensifies during blooming season. [source]
Rose water and herbal remedies
MedicinalRose petals can be infused into water to create rose water, traditionally used in skincare and as a gentle astringent. Rose tea made from petals may support digestive health and provide antioxidants. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeWhile hybrid tea roses are less attractive to pollinators than single roses due to their full petals, Midas Touch still provides nectar and pollen for bees and other beneficial insects when fully open. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers in early morning when stems are fully hydrated; use sharp, clean pruners; cut at 45-degree angle above an outward-facing eye; remove lower leaves below water line; place immediately in clean water with flower food; blooms last 7-10 days in a vase; for optimal vase life, change water every 2-3 days
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Midas Touch was introduced in 1995 and named for King Midas, the legendary figure who turned everything to gold, reflecting its brilliant golden-yellow color.
- 🌱 The rose earned the prestigious award of 'Best Fragrant Rose' at several international rose competitions, making it one of the most aromatic hybrid tea varieties available.
- 🌱 Unlike many yellow roses, Midas Touch has excellent disease resistance, particularly to black spot and powdery mildew, making it more reliable for organic and low-maintenance gardens.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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