How to grow jasmine

It is grown for purely ornamental purposes but also to obtain perfumes and other natural products. There are many varieties (more than 200) including the Jasmine officinale, the most common, Jasmine polyanthum, an evergreen native to China, and Jasmine primulinum. The scent is intoxicating, the equally magnificent aesthetics, and cultivation is quite simple. Both in garden that in a pot. Be careful not to confuse it with Trachelospermum jasminoides, also known as false jasmine.

In the garden jasmine is usually grown to embellish pergolas, walls, dividing nets, which act as a support. Climbing varieties quickly cover surfaces without requiring much care. What type of soil does it prefer?

The common white jasmine, which blooms between June and October, loves classic garden soil and does not need to be watered often. However, be careful during periods of drought. Regarding the fertilization, just add some manure to the soil when planting and every two weeks between spring and autumn, feed it with water and soluble mineral fertilizer.

Most widespread species

How to grow jasmine in a pot

If you want to grow jasmine in a pot, you will have to place yourself inside the supports so that it can lean on and grow easily. Obviously the jar It should be sized appropriately for the plant. The best soil is fertilized garden soil. Gravel promotes water drainage. Place the pot in a bright place It is very important for the plant to grow well. Also be careful of harsh winter temperatures, as it cannot tolerate them, and drafts. This means that fromautunno And throughout the winter, the jasmine pot (at least 30 centimeters in size) should be well protected and moved indoors. You'll enjoy its unmistakable scent for a long time. If you plan to use the jasmine as a hedge, plant it in the ground at a depth of about 60-80 centimeters and space it 80-100 centimeters apart.

Variety

We were saying that There are more than 200 varieties but the best known, in our area, is the Jasmine officinale, also called white jasmine for the colour of its flowers. flowersJasmine polyanthum is a climbing, evergreen plant that blooms in winter. Jasmine Primulinum, or spring jasmine, blooms in this season and is characterized by white or yellow flowers. Then there is the so-called false jasmine, which is often confused with the real thing, but it is not the same plant. It is instead the Trachelospermum jasminoides. Jasmine arrived in Italy during the Renaissance., when Florence was the center of the world, and it was Cosimo I de' Medici who wanted this plant, which he personally cared for. Without allowing anyone to cut its flowers.

Differences between false jasmine and common jasmine

When to plant

First of all, it depends on the type of jasmine and when it blooms. In general, spring-flowering jasmine should be planted in September while the winter-flowering one should be planted at the beginning of spring.

Problems and remedies

The jasmine plant can be easily attacked by aphids and scale insects. The former settle on the vegetative tips; the latter instead attack the branches and leaves. leavesBoth require natural pesticides, and if they aren't enough, use specific products to avoid risks.

How to care for jasmine

Taking care of jasmine also involves pruning operations since the plant grows vigorously and rapidly. Pruning is done after flowering ends, pruning any crooked or weak branches. While speaking of diseases and parasites, be careful of aphids and mealybugs. And to the gray mold which occurs when the environment is too humid. Jasmine has an important quality for cultivation: it is self-sufficient in terms of water supplies and can survive on rainwater. But be careful Make sure the surface of the soil where the plant grows is always moist, and adjust watering based on this measurement. Watering is usually needed 2-3 times a week during periods of particularly hot weather.

When to harvest

Jasmine flowers can be collected during flowering or when it is about to end, depending on their intended use. Obviously, if you want to use them for ornamental purposes, it's best to collect them in full bloom. flowering, cutting the branches with shears. The buds can also be used to make fresh flower infusions by placing them in a glass jar with a base oil such as almond oil.

How to preserve jasmine flowers

Jasmine flowers they can be preserved by drying themHow can you do this? For example, by leaving them for a while in a cool, ventilated place, outdoors, exposed to the sun. As soon as they're dry, spray them with hairspray. Once dry, you can use them for example for potpourri scented.

Property

Read also:

• Autumn flowers: from cyclamen to violets, here's which ones to grow in your garden or on your balcony.
• Unusual flowers: the 10 most beautiful and original. For your home interior or garden.
• How to grow roses at home
• Lavender, grow it indoors. All you need is light. And use it for soaps and linens.