How to Care for a Jasmine Plant

Jasmine is native to tropical regions, although it originated in Western China. A Jasmine plant is known for it's sweet-scented, white clustered flowers that bloom in late spring through summer. The buds' intoxicating fragrance is released at night after the sun sets. This plant can reach heights of 10 to 15 feet if not pruned back, and will grow about 12 to 24 inches per year. The oil in jasmine flowers is often extracted for use in perfumes, cosmetics, shampoos and soaps. Caring for a jasmine plant is relatively easy.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sandy loam soil High-phosphorous fertilizer

1. Grow your jasmine plant in well-drained soil. This plant prefers sandy loam soil, but a good potting soil will work fine.

2. Keep your jasmine plant in a warm, sunny location where it receives full sun for at least six hours a day. Partial shade in the afternoon is okay.

3. Remove weeds on a regular basis. Do not let the weeds take over the plant. At first sign of a weed, pull it out.

4. Stake young plants to give them more stability. Jasmine plants can become top heavy, so keep them staked until they become well established.

5. Pinch off the tips of the stems once or twice a month. This promotes new lateral growth and keeps the plant full and lush.

6. Fertilize in the spring and again in the fall. Use a high-phosphorous fertilizer to keep the plant in top condition and encourage new growth.

7. Water every day to keep the soil moist. Do not water so heavily that water stands in pools. Water slowly and deeply so the moisture goes to the roots.

8. Winter over your jasmine plant by reducing the amount of water and giving it less sun. Water only to keep the soil moist. Be sure it gets at least four hours of sun. If temperatures drop below 30 degrees F at night, cover the plants with a light tarp. If your jasmine plant is in a container, bring it into your garage or a sunroom at night.

References

• White Flower Farm