How to Plant Gardenias From Cuttings

One way to increase the number of gardenia plants in your garden is to start new bushes using cuttings. Whenever working with plant cuttings, it is essential to use sanitized garden tools to avoid spreading disease. Cuttings should come from shoots that aren't woody or too soft. They should be about 4 to 5 inches long with two or three sets of leaves. After you've acquired the cutting, you can prepare for planting.

Things You'll Need

• Small pot
• Rooting medium
• Rooting hormone powder
• Clear plastic bag

Instructions

1. Fill a small pot with a rooting medium, such as a 50:50 combination of perlite and peat moss.

2. Dip the cut end of the cutting into the rooting hormone powder, shake off the excess powder and insert the cut end into the rooting medium in the pot.

3. Water and keep moist but not soggy.

4. Greenhouse the pot by tenting with a clear plastic bag, as gardenia cuttings prefer humidity. Remove the bag several times a week to allow the cuttings to air out. They prefer a temperature between 68 and 77 degrees. It will take about six to eight weeks for the cuttings to root.

5. Prepare the soil for the gardenia plant. Choose an area with full sun or partial shade. Too much shade will limit the number of flowers the bush will produce. The gardenia will grow well in a moist, acidic, and well drained soil. If necessary, add compost or organic matter such as ground bark to the soil.

6. Plant the gardenia cutting during the spring or fall. Do not disturb the roots when planting.

References

• Gardenias
• Clemons on Gardenias