How to Grow Gardenias

When grown in zones 9 and 10, Gardenias will thrive outdoors and can get up to six feet tall depending on the species.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Indoors your gardenia will want full sun but outdoors it will be happier in partial shade so you should consider planting it on the east or west side of your home.

2. Soil Conditions:
   Well-drained, acidic soil with a pH of 4.5 to 5.5 is ideal for your Gardenia either planted in a pot or in the ground. Your Gardenias will stay happy of you scatter your used coffee grounds at the base of the plant within a 18-24” radius of the base of the plant.
   
   Watering Guidance
   While the gardenia likes humidity, misting the leaves can cause problems. Water droplets can cause fungal growth on leaves. This is important to keep in mind if you plant your gardenia outside. Do not place it under plants that will drip down onto its leaves.
   When you water, check to see if the top inch of soil is dry and then give your plant a good soak. Any water that accumulates in the tray under a potted plant should be drained out.
   
   * Temperature:
   During the day, gardenias prefer temperatures from 68 to 74 degrees with a low of 60 degrees at night.
   
   Fertilizing
   Monthly fertilizing should be done from April through November. A fertilizer designed for Azaleas will also fill the requirements of your Gardenias. Be sure to also prune older gardenia stems. This will encourage new growth as well as more frequent blooming.

3. Some of the most common varieties of Gardenia include:
   
   Gardenia Jasminoides--This is the most common type of gardenia which gets up to two feet tall. It is named for its fragrance, which reminds some of jasmine.
   
   Gardenia Thunbergia--Also known as Star Gardenia, this can be grown as a tree or a shrub and gets to be about four feet tall.
   
   Gardenia Nitida--This species gets up to tree feet tall and produces white flowers.
   
   Gardenia Radicans Floreplena--This is a Japanese dwarf variety that gets to about 18 inches and produces double blooms.

Tips & Warnings

• Gardenias are vulnerable to various insects including: Aphids Mealy bugs Spider Mites Thrips Scales Whiteflies The best way to protect any plant from pests is to keep it healthy and prevent over-crowding. Keeping your gardenias in the proper conditions will go a long way toward protecting them from common pests. While gardenias are picky about their care, if you are patient and remember the basics of gardenia plant care, your efforts will be rewarded with beautiful and gorgeously fragrant blooms.
• Altho sometimes used in gourmet cuisine, do not eat any type of Gardenia without being absolutely sure of it's safety.

[maryellen1001]

on 11/6/2008 Great tips!