The jasmine plant is a source of exotic fragrance in warmer climates. It is an important scent noted in perfumes and has herbal properties. The plants may be vines or bushes and some are evergreen. Most jasmine plants are found in tropical to sub-tropical climates, although a few may thrive in temperate zones.
Jasmine can be used both fresh and dry for numerous health benefits. Fresh Jasmine plants help stimulate the mind and body. The plant oil can also be used to help with acne, as a natural antidepressant and to help aid in sleep. Dried Jasmine leaves can be made into tea which helps alleviate headaches too.
Protection from cold temperatures is one of the most important aspects of jasmine plant care. Growing jasmine vines can create a perfumed shield over arbors, trellises and fences. The bush types are excellent landscape specimens with starry pink, white, ivory or even yellow scented blooms.
How To Grow Jasmine Plants In Pot
Choose a warm, sheltered location when growing jasmine. The vining varieties require a support structure as some can get 15 feet tall.
All jasmine plants prefer sun to light shade sites with well-draining and moderately fertile soil.
Install the plant in the ground at the same level it was growing in the nursery pot. Most jasmine plants are grafted onto the common jasmine rootstock because of its superior hardiness.
How to plant jasmine
- Plant young jasmine in a 6-inch pot with drainage holes and a trellis or hoop on which the vine can climb.
- Fill that container with rich, slightly acidic and well-drained organic potting soil that contains compost.
- Be careful not to set the plant any deeper than it grew in its previous container.
- During the summer, keep the pot in a sunny and protected site outdoors.
- Water it whenever its soil feels dry 1/2 inch beneath the surface.
- Feed the jasmine every two weeks until the end of autumn with bloom-booster plant food. For a 1-9-2 organic type, add 4 tablespoons of the concentrate to 1 gallon of water. For a chemical 15-30-15 variety, make that 1 tablespoon of crystals per 1 gallon of water.
Move Jasmine Indoors
Once inside, jasmine needs a position in either full or partial sun, preferably on a south-facing windowsill where it receives at least four hours of direct sunlight a day. If none of your windowsills offers that much illumination, place the plant under the center of a grow-light, keeping the bulbs lit for 14 to 16 hours a day. A normal household temperature around 70 degrees suits most jasmines, though they prefer a drop of 15 degrees at night.
Feed winter-flowering jasmines or ever-bloomers only once a month during winter, using about 1/6 the amount of plant food they received while outdoors. Don’t fertilize summer-blooming types at all during winter but resume feeding them in early spring, using the amount for indoor plants until you move them outside.
How to care jasmine plants
- Jasmine plants like water. The soil should always be slightly moist, but not soggy.
- Fertilize Jasmine twice a year with fertilizer that is rich in potassium and phosphorus. During the growing season of spring and summer, liquid fertilizer can be fed to the plant every few weeks.
- Keep jasmine under control with proper pruning, especially at the beginning of spring. Remember jasmine is a climbing vine!
- Repot in springtime. Prune the roots when moving to fresh soil, as needed.
Pests and Diseases
- Common jasmine is relatively problem-free, pest free, and disease-free.
- Winter jasmine can be affected by spider mites. If this happens, cut them to the ground after blooming and discard the infested plant material. Feed the crowns to stimulate new growth.
- Yellowish leaves indicate the need for fertilizer, which should be applied in spring.
- For houseplants, look out for mealybugs (white, cottony masses under leaves and on stems). To remove, use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.