How to Extend the Blooming Period of Gardenias
Comprehensive guide on how to extend the blooming period of gardenias and tips for prolonging the flowering season, let's learn about it together.
Gardenia, also known as mountain gardenia, yellow gardenia, andcape jasmine, is distributed in the Yangtze River Valley, central and southern China, and is an evergreen shrub of the Rubiaceae Gardenia genus. When gardenias bloom, they are pure white and elegant, with a fragrant aroma, making them very valuable for ornamental purposes. If well cared for during the blooming period, the flowering season can be extended. Let's understand the methods to prolong the blooming period of gardenias.
I. Blooming Period
The blooming period of gardenias is relatively long, from May to June, and can be extended to August with proper care.
II. Maintenance Methods
1. Light
When gardenias start to bloom, it is the late spring and early summer when the sunlight is relatively gentle. They can be placed outdoors to receive ample sunlight to promote blooming and improve the quality of the flowers. In the midsummer, the sunlight is strong, and appropriate shading is necessary. Shading cloths can be used during the strongest midday sunlight, or they can be placed in a well-lit indoor area to avoid excessive sunlight that may burn the leaves and flowers, causing yellowing of the leaves and withering of the flowers.
2. Temperature
Although gardenias are heat-tolerant and slightly cold-tolerant, maintaining the temperature between 16 to 20 degrees Celsius is best for extending the blooming period. When the temperature is high, they should be moved to a cool indoor place, and water should be sprayed on the leaves and surroundings to lower the temperature.
3. Humidity
Gardenias prefer a humid environment. When the climate is dry, the leaves and surrounding environment should be sprayed with water to increase the humidity. If water is used to increase humidity, care should be taken not to spray water on the flowers to avoid prolonged moisture on the flowers, which can lead to rot and withering.
4. Watering
In the summer, water evaporates quickly, and the increased metabolic rate of the plant increases water consumption. The watering frequency should be increased, and watering should be done when the top layer of soil is slightly dry, stopping when water seeps out from the pot. Avoid excessive watering that can cause waterlogging and root rot.
5. Fertilizing
Adequate nutrients can make the flowers bloom more beautifully. During the growing season in spring, gardenias can be fertilized with decomposed organic fertilizer every 15 days. During the bud formation stage, phosphorus or potassium fertilizer can be applied, avoiding nitrogen fertilizer to prevent bud drop. Fertilizing should be stopped when the flowers are blooming.
6. Pruning
During the growing period, pruning dense, weak, and dead branches can reduce nutrient consumption and improve ventilation within the plant. Sufficient nutrients and good ventilation can have a certain effect on extending the blooming period.
Have you understood the detailed introduction on how to extend the blooming period of gardenias and the tips for prolonging the flowering season?