Rooting a gardenia - Ask Extension
Hello, I have a 33 year old potted gardenia that lives inside in the winter and outside in the summer. It is 4' tall from the soil up. It blooms fully...
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Rooting a gardenia #333990
Asked June 19, 2016, 11:22 AM EDT
Hello, I have a 33 year old potted gardenia that lives inside in the winter and outside in the summer. It is 4' tall from the soil up. It blooms fully in the summer and sometimes in the winter. I have kept it pruned to fit in and out of the door. I have also given it a root cut. What would be the best method for propagation? I would like to share it with my grown kids. Thank you very much, Amy Baker
Barry County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
Congratulations on growing gardenia successfully! You are right on time for growing new plants from cuttings. They root most easily in June through August.
Here are some articles from University extensions on propagating gardenia by taking 5 inch tip cuttings.These articles are from southern sites since that is where the plants are grown outdoors year around
Note that it takes 6-8 weeks for roots to develop. Also, that it is recommended to poke small holes in plastic covers so some air is circulated but not enough to dry out the cuttings. And once rooted you should pot up the new plant into a slightly larger pot and grow it on before putting it into a large pot.
You may want to try the air layering technique as well, at the same time, and see which works best for you---
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Mother and babies. It took 2 months but success! Thank you.
Wonderful! I am so glad it worked out for you, and thank you for sending pictures- your mother plant is beautiful. I hope you pass your expertise on to whoever cares for the babies!
