Healthy Plants: Q&A from Mr Booster

How not to kill gardenias?

Q: I have tried to grow gardenia in pots for years and never keep them alive. When i look on camellia websites they say fertilize potted plants twice a year. I'm confused as I tend to kill them with kindness haha. Also, if our tap water has high cal/mag and that stops the gardenia getting other nutrients why would I make up the feed with tap water? So confusing and online is mixed messages...

A: Gardenias are not the easiest plants to grow, however, they are easier in pots than in the ground: they prefer acidic soils, and in many areas soils are alkaline. The most important factor is balanced and sufficient nutrients. In the ground, plants have no limits to reach out to different elements by spreading their root system. In a pot, once all the good stuff is consumed, plants start suffering nutrient deficiency. This is why a balanced feeding program is important.

Generally speaking, Cal/Mag in tap water cannot be bad, because they are essential elements, good for plants (in proper amounts). However, just Cal/Mag is not enough. This is why you need a balanced liquid fertilizer for plants that prefer acidic soil. Excessive Cal/Mag alone can create nutrient lock up, especially if they are chelated with EDTA like in dry fertilizers, which are not fully accessible for plants.
We recommend natural, Amino-Acid based fertilizers that are completely consumed by a plant and are safe to use with EVERY watering, even in Winter. They are scientifically formulated and cover all plant needs. For your gardenias, you should use SUNSHINE Pikake - Fragrant Flower Booster.
Another important factor is proper watering. Gardenias like regular water but don't like wet feet = well drained potting mix is a must, similar to Abundance professional growing mix.

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Sunshine: January might feel warm, but its still winter. Wool socks, scarf, hot coffee.
Smokey: You get warm when you work. Plant now so roots are established before spring growth starts.
Sunshine: Alright. Lets see who stays warmer - you digging or me with coffee.

🌴 Why winter planting works in a warm climate

By our plant expert Tatiana Anderson

We are lucky to live in a warm climate. This is how I think about the seasons here. Winter is for roots. Spring is for growth. Summer is for managing heat and water.

So if we want plants that handle summer better, we plant them in the season that gives them the best start. Winter here is comfortable. The soil stays workable. The days are mild. And plants are not being stressed by heat. That is exactly why winter is the best time to plant in Florida and other warm areas.

If we use this season well, plants go into spring already settled instead of trying to catch up. This is what I like to plant now, and why.

🟢 Trees first. Anything that will be in the ground for years. Fruit trees, shade trees, flowering trees. When we plant them in winter, they can focus on roots before the spring growth surge starts. By the time spring arrives, the tree is anchored and ready to grow on top.
Examples: mango, avocado, Eugenia cherries, jackfruit, sapodilla, longan, lychee, canistel.

🟢 Shrubs next. Shrubs establish faster than trees, but winter still gives them an advantage. They settle in quietly before the spring flush and bloom cycles begin. That usually means steadier growth and fewer problems once heat returns.
Examples: gardenia, jasmine, brunfelsia, hibiscus, clerodendrums.

🟢 Vines are often overlooked. Vines want to grow fast when spring starts. If the root system is not ready, you get weak growth and frustration. Planting vines in winter gives them time to build a foundation first, so spring growth has support.
Examples: Rangoon creeper, stephanotis, Petrea, Mexican Flame Vine.

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