Phenological growth stages of roses (Rosa sp.): codification and description according to the BBCH scale

Abstract The phenological development stages of plants and their BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt, CHemische Industrie)‐coding system are used in agricultural and horticultural science and practice, botanical sciences, meteorology and climatic science as well as agricultural insurance, each with their own varying individual objectives. A proposal for a code for the phenological development of roses in general on the basis of the BBCH extended scale is presented. Ten principal growth stages have been defined from germination/sprouting, through leaf and shoot production to bud, flower and fruit production and to senescence and dormancy. Every principal growth stage has been subdivided into secondary growth stages. Under special conditions, it is helpful to use mesostages with three‐digit codes. The mesostages are particularly relevant to roses, as many rose plants have more than one flower per plant. Descriptive keys with illustration aids for the use of the system are included.