Do Rose Bushes Ever Propagate Themselves by Dropping Rosehip Pods?

Known as a rosehip pod, the seed pod of the rose bush forms after flowering and contains viable seeds that have the capability of reproducing a rose bush. A rose bush grown from a rose seed may not have the same appearance as the parent plant due to cross-pollination.

Maturity Identification

• The rosehip pod forms in the fall months when flowering has ceased. The pod can stay green in color or become red or orange upon maturity. Pick mature rose hips after the first hard frost of the fall season for planting at a later date.

Planting Requirements

• Rose seeds require a period of cold stratification before they have the capability of germinating. Cut the rosehip pod away from the hard seeds and discard. Drop the seeds in 2 cups of water mixed with 1 tsp. of bleach for one minute. Remove the seeds and place them in a moist substance, such as peat moss, in the refrigerator for 45 to 60 days.

Considerations

• CONSIDER starting rose seeds indoors in a potting tray instead of outside for the best results. Cover each seed with 1/4 inch of soil and place in a warm location. Mist the potting medium lightly with water. The seeds need to receive 16 hours of light per day and eight hours of darkness. Germination of the seeds will begin in approximately two weeks.

Warning

• Numerous shrub rose varieties, such as Rosa rugosa, spread easily through seeds when the seedpods are consumed by birds and mammals. The shrub is even considered invasive in its growth habits from its easy propagation through rosehip seedpod production, according to the European Network on Invasive Alien Species.