Growing & using Tom Thumb Miniature Rose
Tom Thumb is a teenie, tiny miniature rose. Tom Thumb is the perfect micro-mini rose for a container because it stays small. Bred in the Netherlands in 1935 and introduced in the United States in 1936, Tom Thumb is one of our oldest roses. Indeed many miniature roses have Tom Thumb in their lineage. Lucky for us, Tom Thumb remains commercially available to grace the pots on our patios.
Like all roses, miniature roses are sun loving and fairly drought resistant. Plant in well drained soil and fertilize with an organic fertilizer in the spring. Dead canes can be pruned anytime but most pruning occurs in the fall when we shape the plant to the desirable height and width. All rose petals are edible, if grown organically, and make attractive garnishes for salads. They can be added after cooking to almost any dish. Whole buds can be used to decorate cakes or other confections. Before using any flower in food, a sample flower should be pulled apart and inspected for insects.
Tom Thumb Miniature Rose would make an excellent addition to our Edible Flower Herb Garden Six Pack.