| How can I start gardenia shrubs from cuttings and how long should it remain in a container before transplanting? |
| Gardenias can be started from greenwood or semi-ripe cuttings. They root in 6-8 weeks if kept in a humid environment with bottom heat of 68-77 degrees F, and will flower in 12-18 months. Greenwood cuttings are taken from vigorous shoots in late spring that are firm and slightly woody at the base. Semi-ripe cuttings are taken in mid- to late-summer from the current season's growth that has begun to firm. The cutting's base should be quite hard, while the tip should be growing and still soft. Make cuttings 2 1/2 - 4 inches long, and remove side shoots. Dip in a rooting hormone and insert in a soilless potting mix. Make a humidity tent out of a plastic bag to maintain humidity aound the plants. |
