"Gardenia jasminoides"

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Growing Gardenia jasminoides Indoors

Comments: Gardenia jasminoides has very exacting growth requirements, and numerous problems develop because of an unfavorable environment. Grow Gardenia in sun during the winter, and partial shade in summer. Use an acid soil with a pH between 5 and 6. Keep the soil moist, and use an acidifying fertilizer twice monthly from mid-winter to early autumn.

Proper temperatures are necessary to force Gardenia jasminoides into bloom. No flower buds set at night temperatures above 65 deg F (19 deg C). Keep small plants growing by providing night temperatures above 65 deg F (19 deg C). A night temperature above 65 deg F (19 deg C) causes drop of flower buds already formed. Ideal forcing temperatures are 65 to 70 deg F (19-21 deg C) during the day, and 60 to 62 deg F (15-17 deg C) at night. The flowering response requires 14 hour nights. The plants require high humidity. Repot Gardenia jasminoides in late winter or early spring.

The flower buds drop due to low humidity or a sudden environmental change. Gardenia flower buds fail to form if day temperatures are higher than 70 deg F (21 deg C), or night temperatures are less than 60 deg F (15 deg C). High soil pH causes chlorosis and lack of flower bud formation. Leaf drop, possibly delayed, can be caused by cold drafts, improper watering, excessive fertilization, or several consecutive dark cloudy days.

Propagation

Propagation of Gardenia jasminoides is by cuttings of half ripened wood taken between November and March. Rooting is better with bottom heat.

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This information kindly supplied by Michigan State University Extension, Ornamental Plants.

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