Gardenias have conquered the hearts of melting southern beauties for centuries. The beautiful petals and the divine scent actually made them the favorite type of flower among people. Gardenias can be grown along hedges, in gardens, in yards, or even in pots. However, this fragrant flowering plant has some very specific requirements when it comes to sunlight, temperature, and humidity. Learning all the details required to grow a gardenia is a lot of work, but well worth it when it comes to the scent and beauty that you will get from your plant.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Choosing a gardenia and location
Step 1. Choose a compact plant with dark green, glossy foliage
When choosing a gardenia cultivar, keep in mind that most gardenia cultivars thrive in tropical and subtropical climates. Gardenia Brand Hardy is one of the few gardenia varieties that can withstand relatively low temperatures.
Other varieties that are more suitable for cold weather include Chuck Hayes and Frost Proof
Step 2. Choose a location
Gardenia needs a place that receives full or partial sunlight. They need the warmth of the sun to grow properly. Give the gardenia direct morning sun and hide from the direct midday sun.
If you are planting a potted gardenia indoors, place it near a south window so it can get bright, indirect sunlight for most of the day
Step 3. Choose a location with good soil
Gardenias thrive best when planted in fertile, moist soil that is well-drained. Gardenias grow best in soils with acidic pH levels. Try to maintain a pH of 5 or 6. You can test the soil and then add nutrients according to the results. In particular, if your soil is neutral, add sulfur.
Method 2 of 3: Planting a gardenia
Step 1. Avoid planting too close to concrete
While you can still plant gardenias outside windows to enjoy their wonderful scent, don't plant them close to your home or walkways. Alkalinity changes in the soil near concrete, and gardenias will struggle to survive if you plant them in soil with too high a pH level.
Step 2. Add organic matter to the soil
Gardenias like soil that is rich in nutrients. Apply fertilizer, peat, or manure to the soil to improve plant growth.
Step 3. Plant your gardenia in the prepared area
Plant your gardenia in either fall or spring. If you are planting more than one gardenia, leave a distance of 1 to 2 meters between each plant. The hole you are digging should be twice as wide as the root ball of the plant and as deep as the roots.
If you are planting a gardenia in a pot, follow the same instructions - the pot must be large enough so that you can make a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball
Step 4. Place the gardenia in the hole you made
Cover the root ball with soil so that it is half covered, then water. Adding water before you completely cover the gardenia will remove air bubbles and compact the soil. When the water is absorbed, cover the root ball with the rest of the soil and compact the soil around the gardenia. Water the soil and plant again.
Step 5. Cover the ground around the gardenia with mulch
Pine mulch is particularly suitable because it adds natural acid to the soil. Keep the soil around the plant moist until the roots take root. The thickness of the mulch should be 5 cm, but should not touch the base of the plant.
Method 3 of 3: Caring for your gardenia
Step 1. Water the plant every few days after the initial rooting period
Try to avoid getting the leaves and flowers wet because when the leaves are wet they are more prone to fungus growth. Water the plants generously during extremely dry periods. Gardenias need less water when they are not blooming. Gardenias grow best when watered with water at room temperature, not cold water.
Test the topsoil in potted gardenias before watering. If the soil is still damp, refrain from watering. Many experts recommend placing your gardenia on a pebble-filled tray. Water can then be poured onto the pebbles, which in turn provides moisture and moisture for the gardenia
Step 2. Fertilize the growing plant
Gardenias need to be fertilized every three weeks. Use acid-based fertilizers, as gardenias prefer acidic soil and fertilizers. Rooted plants need fertilization every March, May, August and October.
Select fertilizer types 10-10-10, 20-20-20, or 16-4-8. It may be easier to use water-soluble fertilizers
Step 3. Prune the gardenia when it is dormant
You must prune the plant when it is not producing flowers. Never cut off all the leaves from a plant. You should also pick the wilted buds on the plant after you finish pruning. This means removing dead flowers to help the plant produce more flowers.
Step 4. Control garden pests
In particular, you should check gardenias for whiteflies and mealybugs. Other gardenia pests include aphids, spider mites and thrips. If you notice that your plants have pest problems, use garden oil to get rid of them.
Excessive watering of plants and planting too close to each other are two reasons for the appearance of pests. Avoid this
Advice
- Gardenias prefer warmer days and cooler nights.
- Gardenias are tropical flowering plants that love moisture. Consider using a humidifier in the plant room if growing indoors.