How to care for winter jasmine in autumn to extend its flowering period?

Winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) is a deciduous shrub-forming woody plant, also known by other names such as “golden belt“, “Qingming flower” and “small yellow flower”. It is a common ornamental flower and, together with camellia, plum blossom and narcissus, is known as one of the “Four Friends in the Snow”. So how do you care for winter jasmine in autumn? How do you extend the winter jasmine's flowering period?

I. How to care for winter jasmine in autumn

1. Temperature

Temperature is an extremely important factor in autumn care. This is because temperatures are relatively high in early autumn, then gradually drop over time, and become very cold by late autumn, so care in the early and late periods is completely different. Specifically, around 15°C is best. So in the early period, when it is too hot, you need to cool it down, and in the later period you need to protect it from the cold. As winter approaches, it is best to move it indoors, which is good for flowering later on.

2. Watering

In autumn, watering should be controlled appropriately; once the soil looks very dry, you can add a little. You can even skip watering entirely. If you water too much, it may cause the branches to grow excessively, affecting flowering later on.

3. Fertilizing

It has requirements for fertilizer, but does not need too much. Apply once or twice a month; rotted liquid fertilizer can be used. Be careful to control the concentration and not make it too high.

4. Pest control

For winter jasmine, the main pest is “aphids”. To deal with this pest, you can use a 40 percent concentration omethoate solution to eliminate them.

5. Light

In autumn, it does not need too much light, because winter jasmine itself is fairly shade-tolerant. However, it cannot stay in a dark place for a long time and needs appropriate light exposure. Still, the light in early autumn is fairly strong, and this should be avoided as much as possible.

II. How to extend the winter jasmine's flowering period

1. The temperature issue

Influencing factor: We all know that many plants cannot flower without the support of temperature, and the plant we are discussing today is certainly no exception. To make it flower, temperature is an indispensable factor, which is also why it blooms in early spring.

What to do specifically: If we grow it indoors, then we can adjust the room temperature so that it is above 8°C, which will not only make the flowers bloom more beautifully, but more importantly can extend its flowering time and let us enjoy it for a while longer. If it is planted outdoors, then some measures can also be taken, such as covering it with some plastic film and the like, which may also extend the flowering period.

2. The fertilizer issue

Influencing factor: To make the plant flower, you must provide it with enough nutrients. Compared with normal growth, flowering requires more nutrients. So when the nutrients absorbed from the soil are not enough, we have to supplement them artificially, especially when the soil is relatively poor.

What to do specifically: Before flowering, we can apply an organic liquid fertilizer once; be careful not to make it too concentrated, a diluted one will do, otherwise it will cause damage instead. In addition, make sure it is rotted. In this way, the plant's flowers will be more vivid and the flowering time will be extended somewhat.

3. The wind issue

Influencing factor: Wind is also one of the factors affecting flowering.

What to do specifically: If it is a potted plant at home, then do not put it in a drafty spot; if it is outdoors, then provide appropriate shelter from strong winds.