Barb, the horticultural oil/baking soda components comprise the Cornell University spray formula and are all you really need. Even the soap is generally no longer needed because the horticultural oils currently sold contain an emulsifying agent (check the label of yours).

Superthrive is a vitamin tonic for plants and is sold nationwide at plant nurseries and garden centers, including Walmart and Home Depot here in our area. In any case, it and the fish oil/seaweed emulsion aren't really needed. They are simply add-ons to provide a little nourishment for the roses.

The complete formula you found is properly (I guess) referred to as the "modified Cornell formula" or the "Cornell/Jorgenson formula," since it was developed in the early 1990s by Ron Jorgenson, a one-time (now retired) commercial rose grower and wholesaler in East Texas.

Thank you,Field, for the answer. I am always searching for answers to some question, seems like. I appreciate your help. They are always telling us about these wonderful EXPENSIVE sprays and what all they do when you can just put some things like this together. Of course, many pooh-pooh this stuff, but I let it go in one ear and out the other. Thanks again - Barb

So I take it Superthrive doesn't hurt but it doesn't really help? After reading this question, I went to Wal-Mart and there it was. I tried to read the ingredients, but they weren't very forthcoming on either the bottle or the packaging. And it appears that the dosage is a drop of it added to whatever your current fertilizer regimen is. I passed on it till I could learn more.

bren

Bren,

Dr. Malcolm Manners posted on the Roses Forum that he did a pretty thorough controlled test of Superthrive, and it had no effect whatever.

That's what I suspected-alot of hype with little true value. Glad I didn't buy it. Thanks.

bren