How To Grow and Care Gardenias In Pots – An Ultimate Guide for Beginners

Plant in pots? Yes, you can plant a gardenia plant in a small container. If you are an avid gardener, this might be your next step to making your home beautiful. You can get ready-made pots or buy them from the market. In this article, we will talk about planting a Gardenia in pots. We will also discuss how to plant and take good care of your fragrant plant.

Do Gardenias Grow Well in Pots?

Yes, gardenias do grow well in pots. They are perennial plants that can be grown in most climates. Your Gardenia will surely thrive with the proper amount of care and the right environment. Always pay attention to their growing requirement as this type of plant is sensitive and needs attention for you to enjoy their beautiful blooms.

Woman in gray sweater and green gloves is replanting gardenia plant in white flower pot among evergreen house plants in white pot and white watering can

Planting Gardenia in Pots

To plant Gardenia in pots, you will need the following supplies:

  • Two pots that are at least 18 inches wide and 12 inches deep.
  • Soil mix (optional)
  • Gardenia plants
  • Potting soil
  • Spade or shovel
  • Watering can or pot with a spout
  • Plant food (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Fill one of the pots with soil and spread it evenly. If you are using soil mix, add enough to make a firm mixture.
  2. Plant the gardenia plants in the soil, making sure they are well-covered. If you are using soil mix, water them well before planting.
  3. Place the second pot on the top so that the roots of the gardenia plants are buried in both pots.
  4. Carefully pour some more soil over the plants to cover them completely.
  5. Push down on the soil to make sure it is even and compacted around each plant’s roots.
  6. Leave enough space at the top of each pot for growth. You can now water your plants as needed.

Note: Do not overwater your plants. Allow them to dry out between waterings.

Plants in flower pots. Gardenia jasminoides with white flower at foreground. Indoor gardening.

Ways to Propagate Gardenia in Pots

By Seeds

Start picking them as they ripen in late summer to propagate Gardenia by seeds. Remove the fruits from the flowers and let them dry for a few days. Store the dried fruit in an airtight container until you can sow them. Place 2-3 seeds in each piece of fruit and press down firmly so that they are slightly covered with soil. Soak the pots for 12 hours before planting outdoors on a sunny windowsill or inside a cool, dark place. Germination should take around 7-10 days. Once the plants grow, water them regularly and fertilize with a balanced houseplant fertilizer every other week in summer or once a month in winter.

By Cuttings

To propagate Gardenia by cuttings:

  1. Make small lengthwise cuts about 1/8 inch deep from fresh stem tips.
  2. Make sure the cutting is stiff so it does not bend as you take it from the plant.
  3. Place the cutting in a pot of fresh soil and water well.
  4. Give the cuttings light fertilization every two weeks until they are rooted.
  5. When the cuttings have rooted, transfer them to a new pot and begin water restriction.
  6. Once they are established, increase watering frequency gradually.
Gardenia jasminoides, commonly called common gardenia or cape jasmine, is native to Japan and southern China and is an evergreen shrub with thick, glossy, dark green leaves. It is particularly noted for its extremely fragrant white flowers and is often grown in double-flowered forms. Flowers bloom in late spring to early summer (June-July) in Japan.

Tips on How to Take Care Gardenia in Pots

Gardenias are delicate plants that need special care if you want them to thrive. Here are some tips on how to take care of gardenias in pots:

  1. Avoid direct sunlight or cold temperatures. These will damage the plant’s delicate skin. Gardenias like filtered light and will do best in direct sunlight or partial shade. If you live in an area with cold winters, you can grow gardenias indoors by placing them in a sunny window or under fluorescent lights.
  2. Water your Gardenia regularly, especially when the weather is hot and dry. A good rule of thumb is to water your Gardenia every day when the soil feels dry but not too wet.
  3. Avoid over-watering, which can cause root rot and other problems.
  4. Fertilize your Gardenia once a month with a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Make sure the fertilizer is applied evenly throughout the potting mix.
  5. Mulch around the base of your plant to keep it warm and moist during the winter months. If you live in a cold climate, cover the pot with plastic during winter to keep the soil from freezing.
  6. Prune your Gardenia once a year in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and size. If you notice that your Gardenia is becoming overgrown or untidy, prune back its branches to a manageable size using sharp scissors or an ax. This will help promote new growth and keep your Gardenia looking its best!

What Kind of Pots Do Gardenias Like?

There are many types of pots that gardenias like, but terra cotta pots and clay pots are the most popular ones.

Terra cotta pots are made from a type of clay that is very porous and retains water well. This makes them perfect for plants that need a lot of water, such as gardenias. Clay pots also tend to be more aesthetically pleasing than other types of pots and can last longer without cracking or breaking. Clay pots are also popular for use with plants that like a lot of humidity, such as orchids. Because clay is porous, it can hold water and moisture well, which helps to keep your orchid succulent and green all year long.

If you’re looking for a pot that’s designed explicitly for growing gardenias, you may want to consider buying a pot made from plastic or metal. These materials are less likely to retain moisture and can be challenging to clean, which may not be ideal if you plan on keeping your Gardenia inside during colder months. Whatever pot you choose, make sure it has a drainage hole in the bottom so water can flow away easily. Remember to keep your Gardenia planted in a well-drained soil mix and provide enough water to keep it healthy. If you follow these simple tips, you’ll be able to care for your gardenia plant successfully, no matter the climate!

What Is the Best Potting Mix for Gardenias?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best potting mix for gardenias will vary depending on the type of Gardenia you are growing and the conditions in which it is being grown. However, some common ingredients that may be included in a good potting mix for gardenias include:

  • Perlite – is a volcanic rock that helps improve drainage and aeration in your soil, which is important for plants prone to root problems or water retention.
  • Sand – helps provide nutrients and stability to your soil while also preventing erosion.
  • Compost – A good compost mixture will contain both organic and inorganic materials, which will help improve the growth and health of your plants.
  • Clay – helps bind the soil together and add texture while also helping to absorb moisture and nutrients.

What Are the Benefits of Growing Potted Gardenias?

Growing potted gardenias is a great way to add beauty and fragrance to your home. These plants are easy to care for and provide you with years of enjoyment. There are many benefits of growing gardenias, such as:

  • They make a great addition to any home or office because they are easy to care for and require little maintenance.
  • They are perfect for filling up small spaces. 
  • They are perfect for romantic settings or special events. 
  • They produce large flowers that can be used in floral arrangements or made into tea or perfume.
  • They provide fresh air and sunshine indoors, which is beneficial for your health. 
  • They produce large, fragrant flowers that can be used in arrangements or as part of a natural bouquet.
  • Gardenias produce large quantities of nectar used by bees to make honey. This helps pollinate other plants.
“A balcony, with a pot of gardenias, overlooking the town of Positano on the Amalfi coast of Italy”

Where Can I Buy Planting Gardenia in Pots?

Planting gardenia in pots is a great way to add beauty and fragrance to your home. There are many places to buy planting gardenia in pots, but the best place to buy them is online.

Many websites sell planting gardenia in pots, and the best thing about them is that they offer free shipping. You can also find websites that offer discounts on larger orders than certain amounts. Here are a few websites where you can buy a healthy Gardenia. You can also choose lots of beautiful and fragrant varieties:

PlantbyMail.com

They are a great online seller which they will pick quality Gardenia plants for you. They hydrate them, carefully wrap them for delivery in custom packaging, and ship them to their destination in the United States. If you are dissatisfied with your order when it arrives, please contact us to let us know. We’ll do everything we can to set things right as soon as possible.

WaitroseGarden.com

There are plenty of varieties of Gardenia in pots you can choose from here. What’s surprising is they will ship immediately in 2-3 days and deliver it right to your doorstep.

BrighterBlooms.com

They sell best seller popular Gardenias. They offer you great plants and service. This is one of the most popular websites for garden enthusiasts, and they have Gardenia in lots of different colors, shapes, and sizes to choose from.

If you’re looking for a specific type of planting Gardenia in pots, then you should search for websites that specialize in selling only that type of plant. Alternatively, you can contact local flower shops and ask if they have any plants in stock similar to planting Gardenia in pots.