Method of Cultivating Gardenia
This article introduces the related experience of the woody flower Gardenia, the cultivation methods of Gardenia, as detailed below:
Gardenia, also known as Cape Jasmine or Common Gardenia, belongs to the Gentianales order, Rubiaceae family, and Gardenia genus of evergreen shrubs. Gardenia has lush branches and leaves, with evergreen foliage, fragrant and elegant flowers, making it an important ornamental plant for gardens.
Gardenia prefers a warm, humid, well-lit, and well-ventilated environment, but it dislikes strong sunlight and intense exposure. It is suitable to grow in slightly shaded areas, is semi-shaded tolerant, fears waterlogging, is relatively cold-tolerant, and should be planted in loose, fertile, well-draining, slightly clayey acidic soil, making it a typical acidic flower.
Recently, the editor has received many gardening enthusiasts' requests for help, all about the cultivation of Gardenia. Correct cultivation methods not only keep Gardenia alive but also help it thrive. Generally, gardening involves soil, fertilizer, water, and environment, and we will discuss each aspect of Gardenia cultivation.
Firstly, soil: Gardeners know that Gardenia is a typical acidic flower, and in many northern regions, the local soil is alkaline, so special attention should be paid to cultivation. It's best not to use garden soil and instead, you can mix your own soil with 40% garden soil, 15% coarse sand, 30% manure soil, and 15% decomposed leaf soil, or use special nutrient soil.
Then, water: Since Gardenia is a typical acidic flower, using tap water directly does not help improve soil acidity. Watering can use rainwater or fermented rice washing water; if using tap water, let it sit for 2 to 3 days before using. During the growing period, water once every 7 to 10 days with a solution containing 0.2% ferrous sulfate (black vitriol) or apply once with a vitriol fertilizer (both can be alternated). This not only prevents soil alkalization but also supplements iron in the soil, which can prevent leaf yellowing and make leaves glossy and bright, with larger flowers. This article is from: https://
Note: Rainwater is a good thing, containing a lot of nutrients needed by plants, and gardeners with conditions can collect some.
Next, environment: Gardenia prefers a cool and humid environment (here, 'humid' does not mean excessive watering, on the contrary, Gardenia fears waterlogging). Let's explain 'prefers coolness' in detail: Gardenia should avoid intense sunlight, but some people mistakenly believe that Gardenia requires full shade, which can lead to failures in cultivation. In fact, while paying attention to creating a cool environment, it should still receive 60% full-day sunlight to meet its growth needs. 'Prefers humidity': If the air humidity is below 70%, it will directly affect Gardenia's flower bud differentiation and bud growth, but excessive humidity can cause root rot, branch withering, and leaf yellowing and falling. In addition to normal watering, the leaves and nearby ground should be frequently sprayed with water to appropriately increase air humidity.
Also, about fertilizer: Gardenia is suitable for applying matured soybean cake, sesame seed residue, peanut bran, and other fertilizers, which, after fermentation and decomposition, can become acidic. However, thin applications of fertilizer are preferred, avoiding thick or raw fertilizers. No fertilizer should be applied during the dormant period. Applying too much nitrogen fertilizer can cause thick branches, large leaves, and dark green foliage but no flowers. A lack of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers can also lead to no flowering or withered and dropped buds.
Lastly, pruning: Gardenia has strong germination ability, easily causing overlapping branches and dense growth, leading to scattered nutrients. When shaping, select three main branches based on the tree shape and always remove other branches that sprout from the roots. After the flowers fade, the branches should be cut short to promote new growth at the cut. When new branches have grown three nodes, they should be pinched back to prevent excessive growth.
After reading the above summary, gardening enthusiasts should have a certain understanding and knowledge of Gardenia cultivation methods. The most important aspect of gardening is to develop a sense of it. If you follow online or printed content too rigidly, it's often impossible to grow flowers well. Since conditions vary from place to place, don't blindly copy other experiences; instead, analyze and use them appropriately.
The above sharing of Gardenia cultivation methods (text and images) is for reference only.