How to Grow a Gardenia Plant in Florida
- 1). Choose a planting location that is in full sun or partial shade to encourage the most blooms on the gardenia plant. In addition, choose an area with good air circulation, such as the corner of a house so that the gardenia's fragrance will fill the yard.
- 2). Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the gardenia pot and deep enough to accommodate the plant's root ball. Place the roots of the gardenia in the hole so that the top of the roots are just slightly above the surface of the ground.
- 3). Fill in the hole partially with soil and water the soil with a garden hose to remove air pockets. Fill in the remainder of the hole and pack it down firmly. Mound up excess soil in a circle 2 to 3 inches tall around the base of the gardenia. This will help to retain water for the plant.
- 4). Spread a 3- to 4-inch layer of mulch around the base of the gardenia plant, making sure that no mulch touches the main trunk of the bush.
- 5). Water the gardenia twice per week with 1 to 2 inches of water each time.
- 6). Spread a high-acid, granular fertilizer around the base of the gardenia plant three times per year, once in late February to early March, another in midsummer and a final application in late fall. Apply at the rate specified on the fertilizer packaging.
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