How to grow gardenia in the north? Teach you the correct care methods
1. Soil
Gardenia likes an acidic environment, so the soil must be acidic and alkaline soil must be avoided. For the growing medium, you can use a mix of leaf mold, garden soil, decomposed soil and river sand in a 4:4:1:1 ratio, but its aeration and drainage must be good.
2. Temperature
Its optimal temperature for growth and development is between 20 and 25°C. It can tolerate a low of -3°C, but it should not be left at that temperature for long, otherwise it will suffer frost damage. When the temperature is above 15°C, open the windows promptly for ventilation to relieve the dry heat, which helps its subsequent growth and flowering.
3. Light
Its growing environment generally has very ample light, especially in spring and autumn, when it must receive at least 8 hours of sunlight every day, otherwise it will be extremely unfavorable for its overwintering and growth later on. But in summer, when the sunlight is blazing, avoid strong direct sun exposure; it is best to place it in a spot with diffused light for care, and after winter begins, move it to a spot with direct sunlight.
4. Fertilizing
It does not like much fertilizer, but it still needs regular fertilizer supplements. Stop watering the day before applying fertilizer, and apply decomposed fertilizer about once every ten days; after fertilizing, water thoroughly once, and by mid-September fertilizing basically stops.
5. Watering
Spring and autumn are relatively dry, so watering once every three days is enough, while in summer you should water after the temperature has dropped, at about 2 p.m. In winter, control watering and water only when the potting soil is dry.