Methods for Growing Gardenias in Pots in the North
The website introduces you to the knowledge topic of gardenias, a woody flower, discussing the methods for growing gardenias in pots in the north. Let's follow the editor to take a look!
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 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: Gardenias prefer to grow in acidic soil with a higher content of 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 garden soil, 1 part of soybean meal (rotted) and 1 part of river sand can be used, ensuring good water permeability and breathability, and then mixed with 0.5% iron sulfate or sulfur.
Temperature: The optimal temperature for the growth and development of gardenias is between 20-25°C, with a flowering temperature of 26-28°C. Plants that have been cultivated for 4-5 years can tolerate short periods of -3°C low temperature, but temperatures below -5°C can cause frost damage, with leaves turning black and falling off, and young branches freezing to death. It is best to maintain a temperature of 6-10°C in winter indoors, with the lowest temperature not below 0°C. If the room temperature is above 15°C, windows and doors facing south should be opened for proper ventilation to reduce the temperature, otherwise, it may cause germination and easily suffer from low temperature, which is extremely unfavorable for the growth and flowering in the following year.
Light: Gardenias enjoy ample sunlight, especially in spring and autumn, requiring more than 8 hours of sunlight per day, otherwise it is not good for their growth and overwintering. Avoid direct midday sunlight in summer, as it can cause the leaves to turn yellow. Place the plant in a shaded area with a light transmission rate of 40-50%. In winter, place it in a south-facing area with direct sunlight indoors.
Fertilization: Gardenias are not very fond of fertilizers, but due to their vigorous growth and the limited nutrients in potting soil, it is necessary to supplement fertilizers reasonably during the growing season. Apply decomposed human waste or cake fertilizer once 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. Adult plants should be given an additional application of sesame seed residue in mid-June and mid-August, 0.5-1 ounce each time, crushed and mixed thoroughly with the topsoil.
Watering: Gardenias like plenty of water, and some call it "water gardenia." In the spring in the north, due to the frequent and strong winds, dry air, and scarce rainfall, water once every 3 days and sprinkle water around the pot every morning and evening to increase humidity. In 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 harmful to the growth of gardenias, causing the branches and leaves to turn yellow and possibly leading to quick death. To overcome the alkalinity of the soil and water, apply a solution of alum fertilizer once a week during the growing season to keep the plant's branches and leaves green. In winter, control watering and do not water unless the soil is dry, as excessive water retention can lead to root rot and death.
Pinching: To adjust and control the growth of gardenias, make the plant shape beautiful, and promote flowering, pinch off the top of the new branches when the vigorous growth is about to stop in spring, which promotes the development of axillary buds at the base of the branches and the formation of flower buds.
This article shares a detailed introduction to the methods for growing gardenias in pots in the north, hoping to bring some flower knowledge to flower enthusiasts.