Gardenias (also known as gardenias) have captivated the hearts of high-end young women in South America of all ages. The beauty of the flower petals and the very fragrant aroma, make it a very popular flower. Gardenias can be grown as hedges; planted in the garden / garden, yard, and even in pots. However, this fragrant flowering plant has specific demands regarding the need for sunlight, temperature, and humidity. Learning all the details for growing gardenias is a pain that is perfectly balanced with the aroma and beauty you enjoy.
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Part 1 of 3: Choosing Gardenia Types and Planting Locations
Step 1. Choose a compact plant with dark green and glossy leaves
When choosing a gardenia type, keep in mind that most gardenia varieties grow better in tropical and subtropical climates. Kleim's Hardy is the only gardenia variety that can tolerate relatively cold temperatures.
Other varieties that are more suitable for colder climates are Chuck Hayes and Frost Proof
Step 2. Choose a planting location
Gardenias need a location that receives full or partial sun. This plant likes the warmth of the sun for good growth. Try to choose a planting location that allows gardenias to get more direct sunlight in the morning than in the afternoon.
If you're growing your gardenia in a pot in a room, you'll want to place it near a south-facing window, so the plant gets bright, indirect sunlight for a long time
Step 3. Choose a place with fertile soil
Gardenias grow best when planted in fertile soil, which is moist but well drained. Gardenia will thrive in soil with an acidic pH level. Try to keep the soil at a pH of around 5 or 6. You may need to check, then add certain nutrients according to the results of the check. In situations where the soil is too alkaline, you will need to add sulfur.
Part 2 of 3: Planting Gardenia
Step 1. Avoid planting gardenias too close to a concrete construction
If you can still grow your gardenia outside your window so you can enjoy its fragrance, you don't need to plant it right next to your house or walkway. The soil near the concrete construction will experience changes in alkalinity (a chemical parameter that indicates the capacity of water to neutralize acids), and if the soil pH is too high then the plants will have to struggle to survive.
Step 2. Add organic matter to the soil
Gardenias like soil that is rich in nutrients. Add fertilizer, peat moss or manure/compost to the soil to increase the growth of your plants.
Step 3. Plant gardenias in a well-prepared area
Plant gardenias in the fall or spring (if you live in a four-season country). If you are planting more than one plant then you should provide a spacing of about 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters). The planting hole you make should be twice the width of the root clump/ball, with a depth equal to its length.
If you are growing your gardenia in a pot, follow the same instructions-the pot should be large enough that you can make a hole that is twice the width of the root ball
Step 4. Insert the gardenia seedlings into the holes you have made
Cover the root ball with soil until it is half covered, then water the hole. Adding water before you cover the entire planting hole will remove any air bubbles and compact the soil. Once stable, cover the remaining root ball with soil, then pat the soil around the plant with your hands. Water the soil and re-establish its position.
Step 5. Cover the soil surface around the plant with mulch
Under special conditions, mulch from pine reacts well because it adds to the natural acidity of the soil. Keep the soil around the plant moist until the gardenia roots are firmly planted. Mulch should be up to 5 cm thick, but should not touch the base of the plant.
Part 3 of 3: Caring for Gardenia Plants
Step 1. Water the plant every few days after the initial planting period
Try to avoid getting the leaves and flowers soaking wet, as wet leaves tend to be more susceptible to mold growth. Gardenias require minimal watering when not in bloom. Gardenias will thrive when watered with room temperature water (±20-25°C) rather than cold water.
Check the topsoil on the potted gardenia before watering. You can delay watering, if the soil is still damp/wet. Many gardenia experts recommend placing your potted gardenia on a tray of coral/gravel. Next, you can pour water on the coral, which will provide moisture and moisture to the gardenia
Step 2. Fertilize your gardenia plant
Gardenias should be fertilized every three weeks. You should use an acidic fertilizer as gardenias prefer acidic soils and fertilizers. It is determined that gardenia plants require fertilizer in March, May, August and October.
Choose the type of fertilizer with the label 6-6-6, 10-10-10, 20-20-20 or 16-4-8 (a series of numbers shows the levels of nutrients in compound fertilizers, for example 10-10-10 means in every 100 kg there is 10%N; 10%P; 10%K, and the remaining 70% is other fillers). You may find it easier to use a water-soluble fertilizer for your gardenia plants
Step 3. Prune gardenias in winter
You should only prune the plant when it is not blooming. Never prune all the leaves. You should also cut and remove wilted or dried flowers from your plant, once you're done pruning. The goal, to encourage plants to produce more flowers again.
Step 4. Check for possible nuisance pests
You should check your gardenias regularly for pests such as whitefly and mealy bugs. Other pests that commonly attack gardenia plants are yellow lice (aphids), red mites (spider mites), and thrips (destructive pests as well as carriers of various viruses). If you find your plants are attacked by pests, use horticultural oil to eradicate them.
Avoid over-watering or planting gardenias too close to each other. Both of these can lead to pest problems
Tips
- Gardenias tend to prefer warmer weather or cooler nights.
- Gardenia is a tropical flowering plant and likes humidity. Consider using a humidifier if you are growing and placing gardenias indoors.
