Best Tips For Growing Jasmine (Mogra)

 Jasminum sambac is an evergreen shrub that is grown throughout the tropics. Jasmine bears dark green foliage and white flowers. Flowers bloom at night only and are very fragrant. The oil extracted from the flowers is used for some of world’s most popular frangrances. Jasminum sambac bloom for 6-9 months out of the year provided good care.

Propagation

Use seeds or cuttings to propagate Jasmine. Seed germination occurs from one to three weeks after sowing.

For cuttings, take 4-6 inches long cuttings of semi hard wood ( stems of shrubs after growing season ). Remove flowers or buds from the cuttings because if they are present then would consume much of plant’s energy  rather than developing roots. Keep a pair of leaves on cutting and strip the rest. Dip the cutting into rooting hormone and stick its two thirds of the length in the soil. Moist the soil. Cover the cutting with plastic bag if you don’t have green house and mist regularly. Do not expose cuttings to direct sun light instead put the container in bright light indoors and harden it for some time.

Pot / Container

The pot should offer good drainage with one large hole or several smaller ones. Jasmine prefer evenly moist soil, so don’t choose terra cotta or clay pots, especially in hotter and drier climate as outer layers of soil will dry out too quickly.

Soil

Jasmine requires a fast-draining rich organic potting mix that is slightly acidic. The mix should not contain regular garden soil. You can purchase a high quality houseplant mix or make your own. Add perlite, peat moss and coconut husk coir to make one.  

Sun / Temperature

Ordinarily, container-grown Jasmine grow best in dappled sunlight or morning sun and afternoon partial shade. In cooler months it needs more sun. Keep freshly repotted plant in bright, indirect light for a few days as direct sunlight can stress it. Jasmine should get at least 6 hrs of sun light.

Watering

Water the plant until water comes out the drainage holes. Then water it again. Don’t let the water stand in the drip tray otherwise it will waterlog the soil. Allow soil to dry out before watering. Watering needs vary according to weather and growing conditions. In summer Jasmine will need more water.

Fertilizing

Apply a general purpose fertilizer once a month from March through November. Avoid fertilizer during winters.

Pruning

Don’t forget to prune your jasmine once it has bloomed. The fragrant flowers will only last for one day once they have opened their petals. Regular trimming will help encourage the growth of new wood, and only new growth will produce more flowers.

Real time pics : 

(taken on 03/08/2013)

As promised , posting pics taken during monsoon ( rainy season ) which witnessed new growth in the plant.

Read tips on growing Night Blooming Jasmine ( Cestrum nocturnum ), Spanish Jasmine  aka Chameli, Jasminum molle ( Juhi )  at home.