Learning how to propagate gardenias will allow you to easily multiply your gardenia collection. Natives of Japan and southeast China, these warm climate shrubs are slow growing and covered with white blooms in the summer—gardenia blooms are deeply fragrant.

How To Propagate Gardenias Successfully

• The right tools for the job. You’ll need a sharp pair of garden shears to take cuttings from your gardenias. Sterilize the blades of your shears by dipping them in rubbing alcohol or a solution of bleach and water (1 part bleach to 10 parts water).
• A little off the top. To begin propagating gardenias, take a few cuttings from an existing plant. Take your cuttings from semi-hardwood and make your cut just above the point where a leaf joins the stem. Your cuttings should be four to six inches long and should have at least two pairs of leaves near the top of the cutting.
• Prepare the cutting. Remove leaves from the lower half of each gardenia cutting and trim the end of the stem using a diagonal cut.
• Better growing through chemistry. Although not strictly necessary, you’ll get better results by dipping each gardenia cutting in a rooting hormone solution. You can find rooting hormone solution at a nursery or home center.
• A dirt nap. Insert your prepared gardenia cuttings in well-drained potting soil. Use a pencil to create a two or three inch deep hole for each cutting. Place a single cutting in each hole and press the soil down around the cuttings to fill in any air pockets. Water the cuttings thoroughly until water begins to seep from the drain holes of your pot.
• A bit sticky in here. Use thin wooden stakes to create a frame over your cuttings—twigs, pencils or chopsticks will work well. Drape a sheet of plastic over the frame and wrap it loosely around the pot. Cut two or three air slits in the plastic. This mini-greenhouse will help keep your gardenia cuttings moist as they root. Place your cuttings in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight.
• Cutting edge care. Continue to water your gardenia cuttings to keep the soil most, but not overly damp. In four to six weeks, your gardenia cuttings will have established roots and started to create new leaves. At this point, you can move your cuttings into individual containers and begin to acclimate the new plants to the outdoors.