Honey for Roses - Ask Extension
In a recent conversation with my mother she mentioned that she heard honey can be used as a superfood for plants. In my mind this could mean a lot of ...
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Honey for Roses #896793
Asked April 09, 2025, 9:46 AM EDT
In a recent conversation with my mother she mentioned that she heard honey can be used as a superfood for plants. In my mind this could mean a lot of different things and she did not elaborate on specifics, but she did say she recently propagated some roses from stem cuttings that had been dipped in honey. So far they are doing well!
As a beekeeper I am familiar with the antimicrobial properties of honey. While superfood might be a stretch, I can see how it might help prevent disease, especially in these circumstances. I am writing to see if anyone at MSU Extension has used or heard of honey being used in Horticulture, and if so, how. Is it possible that the carbohydrates are also beneficial to plants?
Thank you in advance for reviewing my question. Not only do I greatly appreciate everything MSU Extension has done to help me keep healthy bees, I appreciate everything they do to educate communities and businesses all over.
Lapeer County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi Jeff,
Great question.
In researching your question, I found that the USDA, in conjunction with Mississippi State University, performed a study, "Evaluation of Honey as a Rooting Adjuvant for Cutting Propagation of Three Common Nursery Crops". The objective of this study was to explore the potential benefits of adding honey to rooting media to enhance rooting capability of various species, including Red Cascade™ miniature rose (Rosa ‘MOORcap’), common camellia (Camellia japonica), and southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’). Be aware that this study was done with commercial nursery growers in mind.
While honey showed limited benefits for camellia and rose, multiflora honey demonstrated potential economic advantages for magnolia propagation, enhancing root quality and quantity for producers.
To call honey a superfood for rose cuttings, I'd say no. As a rooting aid for cuttings for the home gardener I'd say give it a try it may enhance root quality. As you know, undiluted honey has antibacterial and antifungal properties that buy some time for the new cutting to begin to root. The “trick” is to dip the cut end into some undiluted honey and then immediately put the cutting into the growing media. If you root cuttings in water, the honey will be of no real value. Much of the antimicrobial action of the honey has to do with its low water content. Diluting the honey removes most of its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
I've attached a link to the USDA publication for your reference.
Publication : USDA ARS
Hope this information answers your question.
Thank you for using Ask Extension.
Pam
MSUE Master Gardener
Great question.
In researching your question, I found that the USDA, in conjunction with Mississippi State University, performed a study, "Evaluation of Honey as a Rooting Adjuvant for Cutting Propagation of Three Common Nursery Crops". The objective of this study was to explore the potential benefits of adding honey to rooting media to enhance rooting capability of various species, including Red Cascade™ miniature rose (Rosa ‘MOORcap’), common camellia (Camellia japonica), and southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’). Be aware that this study was done with commercial nursery growers in mind.
While honey showed limited benefits for camellia and rose, multiflora honey demonstrated potential economic advantages for magnolia propagation, enhancing root quality and quantity for producers.
To call honey a superfood for rose cuttings, I'd say no. As a rooting aid for cuttings for the home gardener I'd say give it a try it may enhance root quality. As you know, undiluted honey has antibacterial and antifungal properties that buy some time for the new cutting to begin to root. The “trick” is to dip the cut end into some undiluted honey and then immediately put the cutting into the growing media. If you root cuttings in water, the honey will be of no real value. Much of the antimicrobial action of the honey has to do with its low water content. Diluting the honey removes most of its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
I've attached a link to the USDA publication for your reference.
Publication : USDA ARS
Hope this information answers your question.
Thank you for using Ask Extension.
Pam
MSUE Master Gardener
