Organic Damask Rose from Kazanlak, Seedlings seedlings

Cultivation and Sowing

We recommend sowing from October to May.

Make sure the soil is not frozen, as frost can damage the roots and the plant may not survive.

Grafting should be done just below the soil surface, and it is best to use high-quality organic soil.

Harvest

Rose petals are harvested very early in the morning, when they contain the highest concentration of essential compounds.

The essential oil content in the petals ranges from 0.02% to 0.04%, and only rarely reaches 0.09%.

To produce just one kilogram of rose oil, around 2 to 3 tons of petals are needed.

The Bulgarian Rosa Damascena – A Treasure with More Than 300 Years of Tradition

The organic Damask rose is known for its intense, almost intoxicating fragrance and vibrant blossoms.

Harvesting its petals is a delicate process requiring great care and patience. Each flower is hand-picked and carefully placed in wicker baskets, which are then taken to the distilleries for processing.

In September 2014, Bulgarian rose oil received a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) from the EU — a recognition that underlines its uniqueness and exceptional quality.

In Today’s Medicine: The Healing Power of the Rose

The rose is very popular among folk healers, and rose oil has a long history of traditional use in medicine.

Today, it is used in the treatment of various health problems such as gynecological cramps during PMS, hormonal changes during menopause, urinary tract infections, or skin inflammation.

Rose leaves, rose water, and attar (concentrated rose oil) are used in similar ways.

A Natural Miracle for the Skin

Rose oil and rose water are suitable for all skin types, but they are most beneficial for dry, sensitive, and aging skin.

Thanks to their toning and astringent effect on the capillaries just beneath the skin’s surface, they help reduce redness caused by dilated vessels.

However, it is important that the product contains genuine natural rose oil, as synthetic ingredients have no therapeutic value.

Rose water is a more affordable, yet still effective, natural cosmetic product. It cleanses and refreshes the skin, soothes irritation, and works as a tonic and antiseptic.

These properties make the rose one of the most valuable aids in natural medicine and cosmetics.

The Bulgarian Rosa Damascena – A Treasure with Centuries of Tradition

The Bulgarian Rosa Damascena has been cultivated for over three centuries and is considered the finest oil-bearing rose in the world.

Rose oil and rose water are distilled from the species Rosa Damascena Mill. (subfamily Rosoideae, family Rosaceae).

Its cultivation dates back to the 16th and early 17th centuries. The rosebush can live for about 30 years and grow up to 2 meters tall.

Growing this rose is demanding and involves numerous agricultural practices, including pruning, tillage, winter harvesting, spring tillage, irrigation, fertilization, and pest control.

The Rose Valley of Kazanlak – The Treasure of Bulgaria and Center of the World’s Rose Oil

The Rose Valley of Kazanlak is approximately 10–12 kilometers wide and 95 kilometers long, with an average altitude of 350 meters and covering an area of 1,895 km².

The Kalofer Rose Valley is the global center of rose oil production. In addition to Kazanlak, other important towns in the region include Karlovo, Sopot, Kalofer, and Pavel Banya.

The famous Kazanlak region lies south of the Balkan Mountains (known to the Slavs as the "Old Mountains") and borders the Sredna Gora Mountains to the south.

Geologically, the area consists of two river valleys: the Stryama Valley in the west and the Tundzha Valley in the east.

The Unique Climate of the Mountains and Valleys

The unusual weather conditions in this area are closely related to broader climate changes in Europe, which is currently the fastest-warming continent.

Due to its unique microclimate, the Rose Valley is considered an exceptional site of cultural heritage.

The organic cultivation of roses in this region is carefully protected and strictly regulated.

Rosehips and Rose Oil – Two Treasures from One Plant

Rosehips (the swollen seed-containing part of the flower) are an excellent source of vitamins A, B3, C, D, and E.

They also contain bioflavonoids, citric acid, flavonoids, fructose, malic acid, tannins, and zinc.

Studies show that rose oil, after oral ingestion, begins to accumulate in the liver within the first hour, reaching its maximum concentration after about 8 hours.

It is excreted mainly through the kidneys.

Clinical studies confirm that rose oil is very well tolerated by patients, with no side effects reported or observed.

Toxicological research describes it as a low-toxicity substance, underlining its safety for use.