Gardenias are beautiful garden flowers, and they must be nurtured to thrive. So, as a garden enthusiast, it's important to ensure that your gardenia plants are getting the right kind of fertilizer. Not all fertilizers are created equal, and gardenias need a specific type to bloom.
We've put together this list of the top 5 recommended gardenia fertilizer. So whether you're just starting with gardenias or you've been growing them for years, give them the best chance to succeed with one of these top-rated gardenia fertilizer!
Overview of the best gardenia fertilizers
Best for Outdoor
Gardenia Fertilizer by Miracle-Gro
- NPK: 30-30-10
- Granular
Best Organic
Gardenia Fertilizer by EB Stone Organics
- NPK: 5-5-3
- Granular
What To Consider While Buying Gardenia Fertilizer?
Gardenias are acid-loving plants that require a fertilizer specifically formulated for such plants. Some with additional iron or copper, which promotes leaf and flower development in gardenia plants, are excellent options. Gardenias also benefit from a fertilizer with extra magnesium, which helps prevent the yellowing of the leaves.
- The gardenia fertilizer comes in different forms, such as solids and liquids.
- They also come in organic and inorganic forms.
Now that you know what to look for in a gardenia fertilizer, here are the top 5 recommended gardenia fertilizers:
1. Gardenia Fertilizer by Miracle-Gro (Best for Outdoor)
2. Gardenia Plant Food by Nelson (Best for Potted Plants)
3. Gardenia Fertilizer by EB Stone Organics (Best Organic)
4. Gardenia Fertilizer by Scotts (Best For Flowering)
5. Gardenia Food by Jobe's (Long-lasting)
Top 5 Best Gardenia Fertilizer Review
Here are the top 5 best gardenia fertilizers for your garden.
1. Miracle-Gro Fertilizer for Acid Loving Plant (Best for Outdoor)
Miracle-Gro Fertilizer for Acid Loving Plant, Food for Azaleas, Camellias, and Rhododendrons (1.5 lb)
Features:
- It feeds acid-loving plants for lush foliage and beautiful blooms.
- It helps acid-loving plants such as azalea, camellia, gardenia, hibiscus, holly, hydrangea, orchid, rhododendron, etc.
- It is recommended to use Miracle-Gro Garden Feeder or any watering can.
- Feeds the roots promoting quick and beautiful results.
Pros:
- They make the blooms twice the size of the ones without them.
- The blooms last much longer too.
Cons:
- It may not be great for azalea, but camelia seems to benefit.
- It was a bit expensive.
2. Nelson Plant Food (Best for Potted Plants)
Nelson Plant Food for All Acid-Loving Plants 9-13-11 (4 lb)
Features:
- It is recommended for all acid-loving plants and high-pH soils featuring Nitrogen (9%), Phosphate (13%), and Soluble Potash (11%).
- It is a good source of nutrients and minerals for in-ground and container flowering acid-loving plants, such as azalea, camellias, gardenias, magnolias, ferns, red dud, evergreen shrubs, flowering trees, etc.
- It helps acid-loving flowering plants to improve tolerance to dry weather conditions. It is good to apply at the beginning of spring and then every other month during the growing season.
Pros:
- It helps promote growth and blooming.
- It covers iron and acidity requirements.
Cons:
- It shouldn't be added to water because all nutrients release at once and cause overfeeding.
3. EB Stone Gardenia Food (Best Organic Gardenia Fertilizer)
EB Stone Organic Azalea, Camellia & Gardenia Food (4 lbs)
Features:
- It consists of natural organic ingredients specifically for the needs of acid-loving plants.
- It encourages growth, green foliage, and beautiful flowers.
- Best suited for rhododendrons, fuchsia, and evergreen conifers.
Pros:
- It is also suited for use on other acid-loving plants, including blueberries and rhododendron.
Cons:
- It is not good to be applied on dry soil and wilted plants.
4. Scotts Miracle-Gro Plant Food (Best For Flowering)
Scotts Miracle-Gro Plant Food (4 lb, 1.81 kg)
Features:
- Miracid, 4 LB, nursery select plant food, specially formulated for acid-loving plants such as orchids & azaleas.
- Won't harm surrounding plants.
- Feed every other week for a spectacular result.
Pros:
- It helps to revive some transplanted evergreens.
- It perked them up, saving the lives of a few.
Cons:
- It was a bit expensive.
5. Jobe's Fertilizer Spikes (Long-lasting)
Jobe’s Fertilizer Spikes, Azalea, Camellia, & Rhododendron, 10 Spikes, 16 ounces
Features:
- Pre-measured fertilizer spikes nourish at the roots; time-release fertilizer for all acid-loving plants like hydrangeas and others.
- It is easy to use spikes, does not require measuring, mess, or smells, has no dangerous runoff, and has no overfeeding.
- Jobe's Spikes feed for the entire season; continuous nourishment is delivered directly to the roots.
- Apply late spring or early summer after plants shed their blooms.
Pros:
- It helps to bloom multiple times throughout the year.
- The spikes are easy to get into the ground.
Cons:
- The ground should be soft while hammering it. Otherwise, it can break.
We hope you enjoy the items listed above. Start shopping today and see the beautiful blooms with these gardenia fertilizers! Have fun gardening!
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FAQs
When should I fertilize my gardenia?
The best time to fertilize a gardenia is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
How do I get my gardenia to bloom more?
One way to get a gardenia to bloom more is to fertilize it regularly with a high-potassium fertilizer. Feeding the plant with a balanced fertilizer every six weeks should also help.
Is Epsom salt a good fertilizer for gardenias?
Epsom salt is not typically recommended as a fertilizer for gardenias since it lacks the nutrients that this plant needs to thrive. Instead, you can try feeding your gardenia with a high-potassium fertilizer or using compost tea to provide optimal nutrition. You may also want to consider planting a different type of gardenia if your current one is not performing well. Many other varieties can be more suitable for different growing conditions, so it's worth researching to find one that works best for your garden. With the right care and attention, your gardenia should be able to thrive and produce beautiful blooms year after year.
Are coffee grounds good fertilizer for gardenias?
Coffee grounds are not typically recommended as fertilizer for gardenias since they lack many essential nutrients that this plant needs to thrive. However, using coffee grounds as compost around your gardenia plant may help to improve soil quality and provide some beneficial nutrients. To maximize their effectiveness, mix them well with the surrounding soil. Additionally, you can add other organic matter to your gardenia bed, such as compost or manure, to help provide the nutrients your plant needs for optimal growth and blooming. With the right care and attention, your gardenia should be able to thrive and bloom beautifully year after year.
Will Using HPS Grow Lights Affect the Effectiveness of Gardenia Fertilizers?
Using the best single-ended HPS grow light can positively impact the effectiveness of gardenia fertilizers. These lights provide the necessary spectrum and intensity for optimal plant growth, ensuring that the fertilizers are fully utilized by the gardenias. The combination of good lighting and quality fertilizers will produce healthy and vibrant gardenias.
How often should I water gardenias?
To keep your gardenia healthy and thriving, it's important to water it regularly, especially during hot or dry weather. On average, you should aim to provide your plant with about 1-2 inches of water per week through rainfall or irrigation. You may also want to check the soil around your gardenia plant frequently and water more often if it feels dry or crumbly. Also, keep the soil evenly moist but not overly saturated or soggy. With proper watering and care, your gardenia should be able to bloom beautifully year after year.
