TUCSON, Ariz. — A special presentation will be given  on one of the largest and most sophisticated rose growing farms in the world (Francis Roses of Eloy, Ariz). on Tuesday, Feb. 3 at the next Rose Society of Tucson meeting.

The PowerPoint presentation will be given by Alejandra Ruelas of Francis Roses at 7 p.m. in the Tucson Botanical Gardens

Nearly 75 percent of all rose bushes are started in Arizona. Our desert landscape and temperature consistency make our state a prime location to produce new roses commercially. Arizona has four major producers, and Francis Roses owns the largest market share.

The business employs over 200 workers and sells rose bushes to nurseries and wholesalers throughout the world.

This is stunning when you consider that owner Tyler Francis sold the old farm location of Francis Roses in west Phoenix several years ago. He then purchased the Eloy farm site. It had no water, electricity or gas and only two rundown buildings. But the property did have plenty of soil which was previously used for cotton farming.  

Francis Roses currently grows more than 10 million plants annually on 2,000 acres, the largest rose growing operation outside of China. The farm generates the same revenue as 105,000 acres of cotton which is staggering in its own right.

At any given time, Francis Roses grows about 400 varieties of roses and evaluates another 400-600 varieties of roses to determine their disease resistance, fragrance and color.

All plants at his farm are irrigated with water, and they are able to inject a proprietary fertilizer into irrigation water for steady growth until the plants are two years old and harvested.

Since his farm in Eloy is in a water management district, he is not allowed to use water to irrigate his plants in a haphazard, wasteful manner. All water use is monitored. He actually uses less water now even though his farm is much larger than the old farm west of Phoenix.

ANOTHER QUALITY SPEAKER: Also on tap for our Feb. 3 meeting will be an important presentation by Les Hayt who has over five decades of rose gowing experience in Tucson. He will explain what to do in your rose garden this month. Les will be happy to answer all questions from the audience. 

DATE: Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 7 p.m.

LOCATION: Tucson Botanical Gardens (2150 N. Alvernon Way), one block south of Grant and Alvernon on the east side of the street.

WHO CAN ATTEND?: Anyone who wants to learn more about growing great roses (FREE!) You are welcome to bring a friend if you wish. 

JOIN THE TUCSON ROSE SOCIETY: Learn how to grow stunning roses in Tucson all year long by becoming a member as you receive our national award winning newsletter 10 times a year, plus other great benefits such as going on field trips, entering our annual rose show, in addition to much more all for just $20 per family. TO BECOME A MEMBER, CLICK HERE