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Gardenia

Gardenia jasminoides, G. augusta, G. thunbergia, G. taitensis

Category: Flowers

The sweet fragrance and creamy, elegant blooms of the gardenia shrub make it a cut-flower favorite for romantic occasions and a lush addition to gardens. Gardenias thrive in bright light, cool temperatures, and moderately humid air- happiest in coastal south and west US and frost-free climates of Australia. Gardenias can be grown as a houseplant, but it is difficult to keep humidity levels high enough for the plant to thrive and they attract pests like mites, mealybugs, and whiteflies.

How to Grow Gardenia

Quick Info

Spacing
4 ft spacing
Depth
0.3 in
0.3 in
Sun
Part Sun to Full Sun
Water
1 in/week
Season
Perennial
Frost
Semi-Tolerant
Height
1-8 ft
Germination
4-6 weeks
Germination Temp
70-80 °F
Sprout to Harvest
2-3 years
Soil pH
Acidic

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Varieties

Frostproof (G. jasminoides)
Frostproof (G. jasminoides) This gardenia variety can survive winter temperatures down to 10°F (-12°C) and will slowly grow to 5 feet (1.5 meters).

Pests

Diseases

Beneficial Critters

Growing from Seed

Growing from seed is not recommended. If you do choose to grow from seed, plant seeds in evenly moist seed-starting medium and place out of direct sunlight.

Planting Considerations

Gardenias prefer 65-70°F (18-21°C) during the day and 60-65°F (15-18°C) at night and high humidity levels, around 60%.

Feeding

Feed every 3-4 weeks with an acidic, slow-release fertilizer.

Harvesting

Cut as flowers are opening.

Pruning

Prune directly after flowering. Prune tips after planting to promote bushy growth.

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