Finding the Best Climbing Rose Seeds for Sale

Climbing roses are beautiful additions to any garden. Their vines can cover fences, arbors, and trellises with an abundance of fragrant blooms. To get started growing these stunning plants, you’ll need to find some high-quality climbing rose seeds for sale. With so many options online, it can be tricky to determine which are the best seeds to buy. This guide will walk you through what to look for and recommend top climbing rose seed sellers.

What to Consider When Buying Climbing Rose Seeds

When shopping for climbing rose seeds, here are the key factors to consider

• Reputable seller – Look for companies with good reviews and satisfied customers. Avoid sellers with lots of complaints.

• Details provided – The listing should identify the rose variety, whether it’s fragrant, remontant (repeat blooming), etc.

• Price – Climbing rose seeds can range from $5-$15 for a packet Very cheap seeds are often low quality

• Minimum order – Some sellers require large bulk orders. For home gardeners, seek places that sell smaller seed quantities.

• Organic seeds – If growing organically, make sure the seeds are not treated with chemicals or fungicides.

• Shipping cost – Factor in the shipping price when comparing overall costs between sellers.

• Germination guarantee – Reputable companies will guarantee a certain percent of seeds will germinate.

Top Online Retailers for Climbing Rose Seeds

Here are some top options for purchasing climbing rose seeds online:

Eden Brothers

• 500+ varieties of rose seeds
• Packets starting at $8.95
• 80% germination guarantee
• Free shipping on orders over $60

Outsidepride

• 100% satisfaction guaranteed
• Non-GMO, neonicotinoid-free seeds
• Packets starting at $7.49 with germination rates listed
• Can buy individual seed packets

Greenwood Nursery

• Family-owned company since 1973
• Organic, heirloom seeds
• Range of fragrant and repeat bloomers
• $3.95 shipping flat rate

Amazon

• Convenient shopping experience
• Filter by price, customer review, etc.
• Mix of professional sellers and individuals
• Free shipping on qualified orders

Etsy

• Unique rare and antique varieties
• Sold by independent sellers
• Lower minimum orders than some retailers
• Higher risk of poor germination

What are Heirloom Climbing Rose Seeds?

Heirloom climbing roses are varieties that have been passed down for generations. These old-fashioned roses are cherished for their fragrance, flowering habits, and backstory. Heirloom seeds produce plants identical to their parent plants.

Advantages of heirloom climbing rose seeds:

• Preserve historical roses
• Often more fragrant
• Unique colors and blooms
• Adapted to local conditions
• Produce consistent plants

However, there are some disadvantages to consider:

• Less disease resistance
• Smaller blooms
• Lower flower production
• More susceptible to pests

So weigh the pros and cons before choosing heirloom rose seeds.

How Many Seeds Should You Buy?

The amount of seeds you need depends on how many climbing rose plants you want to grow. On average, expect a germination rate around 70-80% for fresh seeds. Here are some guidelines for purchasing:

• 1-5 plants – Buy 1-3 seed packets with 25-100 seeds per pack

• 5-10 plants – 4-8 seed packets with 50-200 seeds each

• 10-20 plants – 10-15 packs with 200-300 seeds each

• Small garden – 15-25 seed packets for a small trellis or fence

• Large garden – Up to 50 packets for a long run of fencing or multiple structures

Buy seeds from several different rose varieties to find which grow best in your area. Be prepared to thin and transplant seedlings as they start crowding each other.

How to Grow Climbing Roses from Seeds

Growing climbing roses from seeds is very rewarding but does require patience. Follow these steps for success:

1. Stratification

Most rose seeds need a period of cold moist stratification before they will sprout. This mimics winter conditions and tricks the seeds into thinking they’ve gone through winter already.

• Refrigerate seeds in a damp paper towel for 6-12 weeks prior to planting. Check periodically for mold.

2. Planting

• When ready to plant, sow seeds 1⁄4” deep in pots indoors. Use a seed starting mix.

• Space seeds 3” apart as seedlings may need transplanting.

• Cover pots with plastic to retain moisture until sprouts emerge.

3. Care

• Place pots in bright sunny location with temperatures around 70°F.

• Keep soil moist but not saturated.

• Transplant sprouts when 2nd set of leaves emerge.

• Gradually introduce young plants to outdoor conditions.

• Transplant into garden after 6-8 weeks when no more frost expected.

4. Support

• Install trellises, arbors, etc. for the vines to grow on.

• Prune lightly in first 2 years to encourage bushy growth.

With proper care, climbing rose seeds can produce lovely blooming vines within a couple years. Be patient for the reward of gorgeous roses clambering over your structures.

Tips for Buying Climbing Rose Seeds on a Budget

Climbing rose seeds can be pricey, with some rare varieties costing up to $15 per packet. Here are some tips for finding affordable seeds:

• Browse Etsy or eBay for deals from independent sellers

• Look for sales and coupons from online retailers

• Buy in bulk – the cost per seed is lower

• Stick to common varieties like Crimson Sky or New Dawn

• Buy seeds labeled “climbing rose mix” for diversity

• Check localized classified ads for rose seed swaps

• Join a gardeners Facebook group and ask for seed swap partners

• Save and harvest seeds from your own plants

Final Thoughts

With so many exotic and beautiful climbing roses to choose from, it can be tough deciding which seeds to buy. Do some research to pick disease-resistant varieties suitable for your growing zone. Look for a trustworthy seller that guarantees fresh viable seeds. Then await the first thrilling sprouts that will eventually produce armloads of fragrant blossoms. Happy rose growing!