Methods for Growing Gardenias in Northern China
The editor will explain the relevant experience of the woody flower gardenia, the method of growing gardenias in pots in the north, and the editor will provide you with detailed answers next.
Gardenias in pots in the North China region 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 the veitchii gardenia 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: Gardenias prefer to grow in acidic soil with more humus. The soil in the northern region is mostly alkaline or neutral, so the potting soil should be made acidic as much as possible. A mixture of 4 parts of decomposed leaf soil, 4 parts of vegetable garden soil, 1 part of soybean meal (ripened), and 1 part of river sand can be used, with good water permeability and breathability, and mixed with 0.5% of ferrous sulfate or sulfur.
Temperature: The optimal temperature for the growth and development of gardenias is between 20-25°C, and the suitable temperature for flowering is 26-28°C. Plants that have been cultivated for 4-5 years can withstand short periods of -3°C low temperature, but will suffer frost damage below -5°C, with leaves turning black and falling off, and tender branches freezing to death. It is best to maintain a temperature of 6-10°C indoors during winter, with the lowest temperature not below 0°C. If the room temperature is above 15°C, the south-facing windows should be opened for proper ventilation to lower the temperature, otherwise it may cause germination, and the plant will be damaged by low temperatures, which is extremely unfavorable for growth and flowering the following year.
Light: Gardenias enjoy abundant light, especially in spring and autumn, requiring more than 8 hours of sunlight per day, otherwise it is not conducive to their growth and overwintering. Avoid direct midday sunlight in summer, as it can cause the leaves to turn yellow; instead, place them in a place with diffused light, with a light transmission rate of 40-50%. During winter, place them in a south-facing area with direct sunlight indoors.
Fertilization: Gardenias are not very fond of fertilizer, but due to their vigorous growth and the limited nutrients in the potting soil, they need to be supplemented with fertilizer during the growing season. Apply decomposed human waste or cake fertilizer every 10 days or so, stopping watering the day before fertilizing, and浇 watering thoroughly on the day of fertilizing. Stop fertilizing from mid-September. For mature plants, apply an additional 0.5-1 ounce of groundnut cake meal each in mid-June and mid-August, mixing it thoroughly with the topsoil after crushing.
Watering: Gardenias like plenty of water, and some call it "water gardenia". In the northern spring, due to the frequent and strong winds, dry air, and scarce rainfall, water every 3 days and sprinkle water around the pot daily in the morning and evening to increase humidity. In the summer, after the beginning of the dog days, water less in the morning and water thoroughly after 2 pm. Soft water is preferable for watering in summer, as hard water contains more calcium and magnesium salts, which is very unfavorable for the growth of gardenias, causing yellowing of the branches and leaves, or even rapid 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 watering when dry, as excessive water content for a long time can easily cause root rot and death.
Pinching: To adjust and control the growth of gardenias, make the plant shape more beautiful, and promote flowering, pinch the top of the new branches when the vigorous growth is about to stop in spring, to promote the development of axillary buds at the base of the branches and the formation of flower buds.
The above is a detailed introduction to the methods for growing gardenias in pots in northern China, have you understood it?