Grow one of these flowers and it can bloom 1-2 times in a single summer

Milan (Aglaia odorata), evergreen all year round, blooms in summer and autumn. Once the flowers open, they come in golden clusters, richly fragrant and refreshing to the heart, and are deeply loved by people. If you care for Milan well, it not only blooms better than jasmine, but in a single summer it can bloom 1-2 times.

So, how do you grow Milan well? Here are the cultivation methods:

1. Purchasing

The most suitable time for Milan is after Qingming. Before Qingming the weather is still cold, and improper care can easily cause the plant to freeze to death. It is best to buy Milan with a ball of soil around the roots; those without a soil ball are not easy to keep alive after planting, but beware of fake soil balls with no roots.

2. Potting

For potted Milan, you can use potting soil mixed with 10% sand and then pot it. After planting, water thoroughly, place it in a warm, semi-shaded spot for about 15 days, then move it to a sunny spot and switch to normal care and management.

3. Fertilizing

Summer and autumn are the peak growth period for Milan and also its full bloom period. During this time, fertilizer and water management should be strengthened. From early to mid-May, apply a general-purpose organic flower fertilizer combining nitrogen and phosphorus 1~2 times to encourage it to grow branches and leaves; from late May, apply a 0.2% monopotassium phosphate fertilizer 1~2 times to encourage more flower buds, and from June it can bloom and release fragrance. After that, apply a general-purpose organic flower fertilizer 2~3 times a month, and it will bloom continuously.

Fertilizing can be done before or after flowering, and this way, all the way to October, Milan can bloom every month. Stop fertilizing after mid-October.

4. Watering

During the growing period, Milan should have a bit more water to prevent the potting soil from becoming too dry, which causes the leaves to turn yellow and drop. The potting soil should drain well; never let water accumulate, otherwise leaf drop can also occur and affect growth. In addition, pay attention to light. Milan likes sunlight and also tolerates semi-shade; if placed in a spot with ample light, the flowers it produces are more fragrant than those of plants placed in shade or semi-shade.

5. Pruning

When Milan's branches and leaves are too dense or too tall, appropriate pruning can be done. Pruning focuses on cutting back, removing overly long and tall branches at the branching point, so as to dwarf the plant, maintain a beautiful shape, and also help it overwinter indoors in winter.

Image from a flower-growing friend: Past Times