Methods for Growing Gardenia in Pots in the North
This article introduces you to some knowledge about the woody flower Gardenia, methods for growing Gardenia in pots in the North, let's follow the editor to see the specific content!
In the North China region, Gardenias in pots form flower and leaf buds in April, flower buds appear from late May to early June, and bloom in late June. The flowering period of Gardenia jasminoides can extend to July-August. A flower blooms for about 8-5 days, and the flowering period of a plant is about one month.
Soil: Gardenia prefers to grow in acidic soil rich in humus. The soil in the North is mostly alkaline or neutral, so the potting soil should be as acidic as possible. It can be mixed according to 4 parts of deciduous leaf soil, 4 parts of vegetable garden soil, 1 part of soybean meal (ripened), and 1 part of river sand, with good water permeability and aeration, and then mixed with 0.5% of iron sulfate or sulfur.
Temperature: The optimal temperature for the growth and development of Gardenia is 20-25°C, and the suitable temperature for flowering is 26-28°C. Plants cultivated for 4-5 years can tolerate short-term low temperatures of -3°C, but temperatures below -5°C can cause frost damage, leaves turn black and fall off, and tender branches freeze to death. It is best to maintain a temperature of 6-10°C indoors during winter, with a minimum not lower than 0°C. If the indoor temperature is higher than 15°C, the south-facing windows should be opened for proper ventilation to lower the temperature, otherwise, it will easily cause sprouting, and encountering low temperatures will cause damage, which is extremely unfavorable for the growth and flowering in the following year.
Light: Gardenia enjoys ample light, especially in spring and autumn, it needs more than 8 hours of sunlight per day, otherwise, it is not conducive to its growth and development and wintering. Avoid strong sunlight exposure at noon in summer, as it will turn the leaves yellow, it should be placed in a place with diffused light, with a light transmission rate of 40-50% being ideal. Place it in a south-facing area with direct sunlight indoors in winter.
Fertilization: Gardenia is not very fond of fertilizer, but due to its vigorous growth and the limited nutrients in the potting soil, it needs to be supplemented with fertilizer reasonably during the growing season. Apply decomposed human waste or cake fertilizer once every 10 days or so, stop watering the day before fertilizing, and water thoroughly on the day of fertilizing. Stop fertilizing from mid-September. For mature plants, apply an additional 0.5-1 ounce of sesame cake residue in mid-June and mid-August, crush it and mix it thoroughly with the topsoil.
Watering: Gardenia loves plenty of water, some people call it "water Gardenia". In the North, due to the frequent and strong wind, dry air, and scarce rainfall in spring, water every 3 days, and sprinkle water around the pot daily in the morning and evening to increase humidity. In summer, after the beginning of the dog days, water less in the morning and thoroughly in the afternoon after 2 PM. It is best to water with soft water in summer, as hard water contains more calcium and magnesium salts, which is very harmful to the growth of Gardenia, causing yellowing of the branches and leaves, and can quickly lead to death. To overcome the alkalinity of the soil and water, water with alum fertilizer once a week during the growing season to keep the plant's leaves lush and green. Control watering in winter, only water when dry, excessive water retention can easily cause root rot and death.
Pinching: To adjust and control the growth of Gardenia, make the plant shape beautiful and promote flowering, pinch the top of the new branches when the vigorous growth is about to stop in spring, to promote the plumpness of the axillary buds at the base of the branches and the formation of flower buds.
The above-sharing of methods for growing Gardenia in pots in the North is for reference by green plant enthusiasts, hoping to solve your problems in green plant and flower management.