Growing Conditions for Gardenias

Gardenias need water and fertilizer to bloom their fragrant flowers.

Gardenias are flowering plants that are relatively easy to grow. Whether growing in pots or in the ground, the same basic conditions must be provided to have a healthy gardenia bush.

Soil

Gardenias will grow in a variety of soil types. However, they do best in soil that has had compost, peat moss, or potting soil mixed in with it.

Light

Gardenias will grow in either light shade or full sun. They do best, however, when they receive morning sun and afternoon shade.

Fertilizer

A gardenia bush will grow even without fertilizer if planted in a good soil mixture. However, flower production will be lower if the plant is not fertilized at least once during the early growing season. Ideally, an all-purpose plant food should be applied in early spring, again in late spring, and once in late summer.

Irrigation

Once gardenias are established, they require watering twice weekly. In drier climates and extremely hot weather, gardenia bushes should be soaked every other day.

References

• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Growing Gardenias in Florida
• NC State University A & T State University Cooperative: Plant of the Month: June 2000