A protocol for the induction of somatic embryogenesis from immature zygotic embryos of Rosa bourboniana, a scented rose species, was established. Somatic embryos were induced after 8 wk of inoculation of zygotic embryos on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (5–15 μM). In addition to 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid concentrations, somatic embryogenesis was also influenced by the month of collection of the explant and the stage of maturity of the hip. Maximum embryogenic response (16.6%) was observed using 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (15 μM), from green hips in the month of September. The use of l-proline (800 mg l⁻¹) was found to be optimum for secondary embryogenesis. On periodic subculturing, the cultures formed somatic embryos sustainably over a period of 18 mo. For somatic embryo germination, 6-benzylaminopurine (5 μM) was found to be most suitable. Rooted plants were transferred successfully to soil and appear morphologically normal under greenhouse conditions. Transfer of plants for hardening was most suitable during the active growth period between June and September.