For a long time, gardenias have won the hearts of Southern ladies.They are a very beloved flower because of their beautiful petals and divine fragrance.You can grow gardenias in your yard or in pots.The fragrant, blooming plant has specific demands when it comes to sunlight, temperature, and humidity.When it comes to the smell and beauty of your gardenia, learning all of the details is worth the trouble.
Step 1: A plant with glossy foliage is a good choice.
Most gardenia varieties grow better in tropical and subtropical climates.The Kleim's Hardy Gardenia is one of the few gardenia varieties that can survive the cold.There are other varieties that are more suited for cold weather.
Step 2: Pick a location.
A home with full to partial sunlight is needed for gardenias.They like the warmth of the sun.It's better to give your gardenia direct morning sun than direct afternoon sun.If you are putting your gardenia in an indoor pot, make sure to keep it near a south-facing window so that it can get a lot of sun.
Step 3: There is a spot with good soil.
Gardenias grow best in rich soil that is moist and well-drained.Gardenias do best in acidic soils.Keep the pH at 5 or 6.According to the results of the soil test, you may want to add more vitamins and minerals.If your soil is too basic you will want to add sulfur.
Step 4: It's a good idea to avoid planting too close to concrete.
You don't want to plant your gardenias against your house or walkways if you can plant them outside.Gardenias will struggle when planted in soil with too high of a pH level.
Step 5: Add 2 to 4 inches of organic material to the soil.
Gardenias like the rich soil.Fertilizing the soil will increase the growth of your plant.
Step 6: The gardenia should be planted in the prepared area.
You can plant your gardenias in the fall or spring.You must leave at least three to six feet of space between the plants if you are planting more than one gardenia.The hole you make should be twice as wide as the plant's root ball.If you are planting gardenia in a pot, make sure it is large enough to make a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
Step 7: The gardenia should be in the hole you made.
Water the hole if the root ball is halfway covered.Adding water before you cover the gardenia settles the soil and removes air bubbles.The soil around the gardenia should be pat down after the water has settled.If you want to plant again, water the soil.
Step 8: The gardenia should be covered with mulch.
The pine mulch adds to the acidic nature of the soil.Keep the soil moist until the plant's roots are established.The mulch should not touch the base of the plant.
Step 9: The plant needs to be water every few days.
If you can, try to avoid getting the leaves and blooms soaking wet.During dry periods, water the plant more.Gardenias need less water when they don't bloom.Gardenias thrive best when given distilled room-temperature water.Before watering your gardenias, check the top of them.Hold off on watering if it is still damp.Gardenia experts recommend placing your gardenia on a pebble filled tray.Water can be poured on the pebbles to provide humidity and water for your gardenia.
Step 10: Fertilizing your plant will help it grow.
The gardenias should be fertilized every three weeks.Gardenias prefer acidic soil and acid-based fertilization.Fertilization is needed for established plants in March and October.Choose from a variety of fertilizers.You may be able to use a water-solublefertilizer with your gardenias.
Step 11: When the gardenia is not active, Prune it.
When your plant isn't producing blooms, you should only trim it.You shouldn't cut the leaves off the plant.You should deadhead your plant after it's been trimmed.The dead flowers need to be removed in order for your plant to produce more blooms.
Step 12: Garden pests can be controlled.
Whiteflies and mealybugs can be found in your gardenias.Spider mites are one of the gardenia pests.You can use a horticultural oil to get rid of pests on your plants.Pest problems can be caused by over- watering your plants and planting them too close to each other.Do not do both of these things.