Question
Hi Nick, I would like to know how to grow gardenias in container.  I have heard that it's a hard plant to grow!!!!! but I would like to try it so I went to Home Depot bought a hug blooming gardenia plant in a nice 9x9 pot. I don't know should I re-pot to a bigger size or wait until ....when! Please help!
Any advises would be greatly appreciated.

Dee

Answer
Hi Dee, they like an acidic soil base, so mix about one third of the contents Peat Moss and fertilize once a Month with Miracle-Grow for acid plants (Miracid). When the soil starts to show white crust around the drainage holes flush with plain water (salt build up from fertilizing.). I would change it out of its nursery container into a larger one and make your own soil base with one third Peat Moss, a couple of handfuls of vermiculite and the rest a good , quality, Potting mixture (with drainage medium lining the bottom). Keep the soil moist and don't allow it to completely dry out and put it in a location where it gets morning Sun, but is out of the hotter afternoon Sun, thereby slowing the soil from drying too fast. If you drink coffee, add the used grounds to the soil once a week, this will help to keep the leaves deep green and help stop the yellowing, which is a constant problem with these plants. Thats the ticket to success Dee..good luck!...Nick