How to Care for a Jasmine With Plant Fertilizer

Many plants that use the name "jasmine," such as Madagascar jasmine, are not in the Jasminum genus and can't be considered true jasmines. Common white jasmine (J. officinale), the one many think of when the plant is mentioned, is a vine in the olive family, that bears splendidly fragrant, small white flowers. This jasmine is hardier than most and it actually requires a period of cold in the winter to bloom in the spring. It also requires a consistent fertilization program to keep the woody vine strong and thriving.

Things You'll Need

• 7-9-5 fertilizer

Instructions

1. Water the jasmine plant, as you normally do, before applying the fertilizer.

2. Sprinkle a 7-9-5 formula granular fertilizer 6 inches from the vine's base and spread it completely around it. Apply the fertilizer at the rate listed on the label for the size and age of your jasmine.

3. Reapply the fertilizer monthly, watering the soil before each application. When the weather starts to cool off in the fall, discontinue fertilizing and begin again in the spring when you notice new growth.

References

• Missouri Botanical Garden: Jasminum Officinale
• Logee's Tropical Plants: Cultural Information: Jasminum
• "Sunset Western Garden Book"; Editors, Sunset Books; 1995