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Logee’s
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the growers
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Cultural Information – Gardenia
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our gardenia department
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Light:
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Full sun or partial sun (southern,
eastern or western exposures).
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Temperature:
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Although they are hardy in subfreezing
temperatures as far north as Zone 8, Zone 7 for the hardy species as a
potted indoor plant, maintain temperatures above 60°,
preferably 65°.
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Humidity:
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Maintain humidity at 50% or higher;
lower levels will do no harm for short periods.
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Watering:
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Bring soil to a state of visual dryness
between watering. A slight
wilt will do no harm. When
watering, thoroughly saturate soil until water comes through the bottom
of the pot.
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Fertilizer:
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They are moderate feeders so 1/4
tsp./gallon once a week under warm temperatures and high light is a
general recommendation. However,
high fertilizer concentration in the soil can aggravate root disease
problems. Reduce feed under
lower light conditions. Reduce
or stop feed during the winter. Use
a balanced fertilizer i.e. 15-15-15 or a blooming fertilizer like Pro
Gro ‘Grow’ 7-9-5 or Electra 5-10-3.
Throwing a tea bag in the watering pot and occasionally giving
them a drink of this liquid will help keep the soil acid and add some
nutrients. If chlorotic
leaves appear in the young growth and the root system is healthy they
may need an application of chelated iron.
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Pruning:
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Prune after flowering.
They can take a hard pruning.
Generally, pruning in late summer or fall can reduce flowering in
spring.
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Insects and
Disease:
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Gardenias are susceptible to spider
mite, mealy bug, scale and sometimes whitefly.
Their root systems are highly susceptible to disease, especially
under cool damp conditions.
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Comments:
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The greatest challenge to growing
gardenias is root disease. Excessive
fertilizer, long periods of wet soil along with cool temperatures and
low light all contribute to the problem.
Grow them in terra-cotta pots.
Don’t over pot them and water them thoroughly when dry.
Another problem is bud blast or the dropping of flower buds
before they open. This is
thought to be caused by a lack of temperature differential from day to
night, which is common in the home.
Try to give them a 10 to 15 degree difference between night and
day.
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