care and maintenance

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR GRAFTED GARDENIA

Zone:

(Zones Vary By Species)
7-9, 12-16, 18-24, H1, H2
(Sunset Western Garden Book, 7th Ed., 2001)

Light/Location:

Full Sun Or Partial Shade
On the Coast, your gardenias can be placed in full sun, preferably morning sun and afternoon shade.
Inland, where summer temperatures reach 90 degrees and higher, place your gardenias in filtered sun or morning sun only.
Generally, it is best to find a location next to a structure or area blocked from strong winds and intense, all-day sun.

Water:

Regular To Ample Water; Soil Must Have Good Drainage
Soak And Then Let Soil Dry Between Waterings. Watering Needs Are Similar To Citrus
Shower your gardenia leaves with a high-pressure spray of water every couple of weeks.
They love it, and it keeps the leaves healthy and clean.

Planting/Soil:

Dig a hole that is twice the diameter of the rootball in width, and is approximately six inches deeper than the rootball in depth. Before transplanting, it is important to take note of where the existing soil level is on the plant's stem, and planting it at the same soil line.

Mix planting amendment 50% to 50% with native top soil. Place your gardenia into the hole, and taking note of the original soil line on the gardenia's stem, carefully backfill the hole with soil mixture. Gently compact the soil around new planting and create a water 'bowl' or 'basin' around plant base.

Water in basin assuring root ball is getting adequate water. Be sure to keep gardenia well watered until established. As your gardenia becomes more established, decrease intervals of watering, but water deep to get to the roots.

Maintain a water basin around newly planted plants so that they can be deep watered at least once a week during the growing season and at least once every two weeks during the dormant season.

Be cautious when planting into heavy clay soils. Make sure soil is not constantly wet. Use plenty of amendments when planting. Gypsum can help with breaking up clay soils and improve drainage. Avoid adding sand to clay soils as an amendment, as sand actually acts as a binder, creating 'ceramic' or 'cement' like properties, and therefore, decreasing drainage.

If transplanting grafted gardenias into pots or containers, use well-drained, non-acidic soil.

Fertilizer:

ON THIS ROOT, IT IS NOT NECCESSARY TO USE AN ACID FERTILIZER OR ACID AMENDMENTS. Fertilize during the growing season (March thru September) every 2 to 3 weeks, with a complete fertilizer (20-20-20).

Pests And Disease:

If plants are kept well-watered and fertilized, the plants' own defenses should be adequate to fight off pests and disease.

If a bug infestation occurs, take a leaf sample to your local nursery and see which product can take care of the problem.

If ants are constantly travelling up and down the stem, stop them at the stalk with a collar of Tangle Foot (found at Nurseries).

A product that could be used as part of a preventive program is an all-season light horticultural oil. It helps to smother insects, and it helps the plant to fight pest problems.

Please check back with us on occasion for updated information on the
care and maintenance of Grandpa Campbell's Grafted Gardenias

All content © Copyright 2007 Grandpa Campbell's Grafted Gardenias. No materials may be edited or reproduced without permission.