When Do Gardenias Bloom?

Gardenia is a shrub that bears a fragrant, lovely white flower. The gardenia is native to the tropics. They love a moist environment and appreciate early morning misting on its foliage. Although growing gardenias are quite challenging, it can be rewarding.

Temperatures

Gardenias thrive in hot humid temperatures. They don't tolerate cold weather well. Gardenias do their best when grown in the South, because they love warm temperatures.

In the North

In the North, gardenias are grown indoors. As a houseplant, gardenias need direct sunlight or a source of bright light. Don't allow them to get overheated. New buds are sensitive to temperatures about 60 degrees F.

Growing Gardenias Outdoors

If you grow gardenias outdoors, they will need full sun or partial shade. Organic soil is preferable. Don't overwater. When the soil dries out 1 inch below the ground, and then water. Use an acid fertilizer because gardenias are an acid-loving plant.

Blooming

Gardenias start blooming in April and sometimes continue to bloom through July and August. It mainly depends on your climate. In the North, gardenias have been known to bloom in November and December.

Problem

The main problem with gardenias is that they have a tendency to drop their buds. This is caused by too much moisture, low-acid soil or humidity that is too low.

Force Gardenia To Bloom

Fertilize gardenias twice a month with acidifying fertilizer such as azalea or rhododendron fertilizer to maintain a soil pH between 5.0 and 6.0. Maintain a temperature between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the daytime and between 60 and 62 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Mist frequently or provide pebble trays to raise the humidity level near the gardenia. Low humidity also causes buds to drop and failure to bloom. Grow florist gardenias in bright indirect light if grown inside or partial shade if planted outside. Use caution to maintain other factors such as temperature and humidity as gardenias are sensitive to environmental changes.