How do I get my gardenias to open?

Love gardenias and I bought one that had three opened flowers and many buds but none have opened. Please help

  4 answers
  • Cindy Cindy on May 21, 2019

    Hi Fran. I'm Cindy. I love gardenias too. The smell is absolutely wonderful, right? Try spreading used coffee grounds on the soil at the base of the plant. Then water as usual. Doing this will add acid to the soil and the water afterwards will help the roots receive it quicker. Also, Fran, gardenias like morning sun and moist soil. Best of luck to you.

  • Robyn Garner Robyn Garner on May 22, 2019

    Be patient! It may be in shock due to being planted. It will have to get used to its new surroundings. Do be sure it gets several hours of sunlight daily. Add coffee grounds/similar for acidic soil. You can safely give him some fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season.

  • Dean Murdaugh Dean Murdaugh on May 25, 2019

    As a child of the South and lover of gardenias, grew-up with one under my bedroom window ... let your gardenia relax and establish its self. The first year may not be a big bloom year following years will bring the payoff. All of the advice above is valid. Careful of the watering, don't over water.