What methods are there for regulating the flowering period of potted jasmine? A detailed guide to flowering period management
Jasmine is famous throughout the world for its fragrance. Its flowers combine the sweet richness of roses, the fresh fragrance of plum blossoms and the subtle depth of orchids, so its floral scent appeals to both refined and popular tastes. That is why the poet Jiang Kui said, “If I were to compile a history of flowers in years to come, I would rank it as the finest fragrance in the world.” He also said, “Though it has no flamboyant beauty to astonish the crowd, it fortunately has a fresh fragrance that surpasses all of autumn.”
Jasmine is an evergreen small shrub or climbing plant belonging to the Oleaceae family. Its leaves are elliptical and emerald green, with a glossy shine. Varieties are divided into single-petaled and double-petaled types. The double-petaled small white flowers are delicate and charming, smooth and lustrous. Jasmine was once called “Moli” and also “Moli,” meaning it obscures all other flowers. Jasmine has both high ornamental value and high economic value. Its flowers can be used to extract aromatic oil, and it is one of the important raw materials for making pomade, essences and extracts. It can also be used to scent tea, producing jasmine tea, which has a lasting fragrance and is sweet and pleasant.
Jasmine is extremely fond of fertilizer. As long as it is cared for properly, a potted jasmine can bloom three times a year. Key points for jasmine flowering period management:
1. Early flowering period: In early June, jasmine gradually produces early flowers. At this time, the young leafy shoots should be picked off along with the flowers to encourage new shoots to grow and make the branches and leaves lush. At this stage, apply diluted fertilizer water twice a week and keep the potting soil moist.
2. Full flowering period: At this time, fertilizer and water management should be strengthened, applying light fertilizer frequently, fertilizing once every 2 days with fully decomposed organic liquid fertilizer, with a fertilizer-to-water ratio of 1:4. Watering should be sufficient, generally once a day. Watering is usually best done in the morning, while fertilizing is best done in the evening. If this continues until late July, the flowers will be larger and more numerous due to the ample fertilizer and water.
3. Formation of the second batch of flowers: At this time, fertilizing should be slightly more concentrated than before, generally with equal parts fertilizer and water. To encourage jasmine to bloom better, a superphosphate solution can also be sprayed on the leaves. By late August, gradually reduce fertilizing to once every 6 to 7 days. Watering still needs to be relatively frequent, maintaining once every two days.
4. Formation of the third batch of flowers: At this time, fertilizing should be stopped, and the amount of watering should also be gradually reduced. As the weather has gradually turned cooler, this will affect the formation of flower buds, so this batch of flowers is fewer in number. After mid-October, flowering ends, and it is only necessary to keep the potting soil slightly moist.
Jasmine is pure white and strongly fragrant, blooming continuously from summer to autumn, with July to August being the full flowering period, when the flowers are large, fragrant and numerous. Strengthening flowering period management, mastering the control of “water, fertilizer and light,” pruning appropriately, and preventing and controlling pests and diseases well are the keys to making jasmine produce more and more fragrant flowers.
1. Water frequently
Jasmine likes a moist environment, and during its flowering period, watering is even more important. Because summer temperatures are relatively high and the plant transpires heavily, sufficient water should be given. Water thoroughly once each in the morning and evening, and in the morning and afternoon also spray the plant leaves and around the pot with clean water once each to increase air humidity. However, note that on cloudy and rainy days, watering should be reduced or not done, and on rainy days care should also be taken to avoid rain exposure to prevent water accumulation in the pot.
2. Fertilizer should be abundant