Gardening, for many, is a humbling experience: sowing seeds, nurturing the plants, and watching them grow little by little brings immense joy. If you too love gardening and want to revamp your garden with some new flowering plants, Arabian Jasmine will be a wonderful addition to your collection.
Arabian Jasmine (also called Sampaguita, Zambak, and Sambac Jasmine) is one of the most cultivated plants worldwide. It is an evergreen white-flowered plant that flowers like a shrubby vine when grown without support. Although it is widely grown commercially, Arabian Jasmine is a must-have in any garden.
This guide will take you through the entire process of cultivating Arabian Jasmine, from propagation to harvesting.
Bonus Read: For amateur and aspiring gardeners, this guide on how to plant a garden should help get your backyard dreams started.
Arabian Jasmine
Arabian Jasmine, scientifically called Jasminum Sambac, is a dwarf bushy shrub. This plant is believed to have origins in tropical Asia, possibly the Indian subcontinent or Southeast Asia. In its native territories it blooms throughout the year, but in Europe and western countries its flowers appear mainly in summer.
Arabian Jasmine is best grown in Planting Zones 9 to 11. It can grow up to a height of 0.5-3.0 meters in height. Remember, this plant is a tenderer form in comparison to other species falling under the same taxonomy.
The plant bears small white flowers, with a pleasant fragrance.
Keep in mind, the Jasminum Sambac occurs in two genetic variations:
- Double flowered variety (more commonly seen)
- Single flowered variety (with a twining tendency)
Suitable Geographic Conditions For Arabian jasmine
Since it is typically found in tropical areas, Arabian Jasmine requires a warm and humid climate for successful growth. They are seen to grow well at elevations of about 600 to1200 meters.
Areas having warm summers and relatively mild winters are considered the best for the cultivation of Arabian jasmine.
Even though these plants can be grown on any kind of soil, well-drained, rich sandy loam and clay loam soils with pH levels of 6.5 to 7.5 are best suited to their needs. Not to forget, ample sunlight is needed to obtain the best harvest.
Right Time To Plant And Flowering Seasons
The most appropriate time for the plantation of Arabian Jasmine is during the monsoons/rainy season. The plants’ first proper flowering season is observed after around a year of planting.
The flowering period ranges between April to May, and from August to November. However, if provided with the best conditions, these plants flourish and bloom throughout the year.
Propagating Arabian Jasmine
Arabian Jasmine plants can be grown by vegetative propagation methods, which generally include cutting and ground layering.
Cutting
- Start by making cuttings of stem tips from a healthy plant.
- Start cutting directly below a leaf and make them 20 to 25 centimeters long, with 3-4 eyes.
- Strip the leaves at the bottom of the cuttings and use rooting hormones.
- Place the cuttings in a planter and cover them with a plastic bag to retain moisture.
- Keep the planter out of direct sunlight.
After about a month, the roots will develop and the cuttings will be ready for transplantation. Next, depending on the roots, you can either plant them in potting soil or directly into land.
Layering
- Make a 1.25 – 1.75 centimeters cut through the stem, about 7 – 12 centimeters from the tip.
- Dig a shallow hole in the ground.
- Bend the branch so that the cut portion is well into the soil.
- Cover it with soil, making sure that the remaining stem is above the soil. Bend the tip into a vertical position with the help of a landscaping pin or brick.
- Keep the cut open with a toothpick or a small pebble. Use a rooting hormone, if required.
- Keep the area moist.
Once roots develop, cut the new branch and transplant it in a pot or land, as desired. Learn more about the technique here.
Tissue Culture:
The above two methods, based on the principle of vegetative propagation, have certain limitations. Firstly, overuse of these methods has led to several genetic disorders in plants, like varietal degeneration, acquired resistance against these methods, formation of weak stems/roots, and decreased flowering.
Secondly, layering requires long periods of time and depends heavily on the season.
Therefore, in recent years, tissue culture techniques have been developed for the propagation of plants that have lost the ability to bear seeds.
The process includes collecting vegetative parts like shoots, roots, leaves, etc. from mature plants and then treating them with plant growth hormones in sterile mediums. This results in the formation of a large number of identical seedlings.
How to Grow Arabian Jasmine from Seed?
Arabian jasmine is a delicate and elegant plant that acts as a natural air freshener. The flowers are well-known worldwide for their distinct tropical scent and lovely blossoms, which draw bees. And it should be no surprise that cuttings are the most common propagation method for Arabian Jasmine. However, you may wish to grow the plant from seeds.
If you choose the proper location and care for the plant, it should be easy to grow Arabian Jasmine from seeds. In light of this, read the instructions below to discover how to properly produce Arabian jasmine from seed.
- Wait until the seeds have developed and the pods are dry before picking up any seed pods.
- Before planting, soak the seeds in warm water for at least 24 hours or overnight. This procedure will accelerate the germination process.
- Fill some potting soil into a seed-starting pot.
- Individual seeds should be sown into a seed-starting pot.
- To keep the moisture in the pot, cover it with a plastic bag.
- To ensure the germination process, keep the soil moist.
- Put the pot(s) in a bright area.
- The seeds may need four to six weeks to germinate.
- When seedlings appear, take off the plastic wrap.
- When seedlings have at least two pairs of true leaves, repot them into bigger planters.
- After repotting for a month, you can move the plant outside.
Bonus Read: Ever heard of greenhouse seeds? They can be planted all year around.
Potting and Repotting Arabian Jasmine
Choosing the right pots is just as important as every other step in the process.
Potting the Plant
Arabian Jasmine is simple to grow in containers. Indeed, Arabian jasmine planted in containers enhances the beauty of both indoor and outdoor spaces. Given that, utilize soil that drains properly when planting this plant in a container. In this case, the best type of soil is porous and damp. Because Arabian Jasmine prefers damp soil that isn’t extremely soaked, this is essential. Also, pick a pot with comfortable drainage holes for the plant. This will stop extra water from leading to moisture issues.
Regarding the container’s size, you can begin by choosing a typical circular pot 12 inches in diameter. Additionally, growing Arabian jasmine in a vintage earthen pot is usually a good idea. However, durable plastic containers will also work if you cannot find earthen pots.
Repotting the Plant
Jasmine plants do not require frequent replanting, which is good news. However, you’ll know it’s time to repot your plant when you see the roots poking out of the current container. Also, when you have to water your plant every two to three days, that is a further indication that repotting is required.
Even though you can re-pot your jasmine plant whenever you like, we advise doing so in the spring or summer. When repotting, the largest container you should go to is 2-3′′ broader or deeper than its previous pot. Additionally, confirm that the new pot has numerous drainage holes. You may put a coffee filter at the pot’s base to prevent soil from escaping the drainage holes. Then add additional potting soil until it is halfway up the new pot.
When extracting the plant from the previous pot, gently tap the sides of the root ball to release it from the soil, then slip the roots out. Examine the roots closely to look for any signs of illness or root rot. If you come across any, remove them with a tidy, sharp knife blade. Shaking the roots with your hands will help them become looser. Remove as much old potting soil as possible after untangling the root knots. Any long roots knotted around the root ball should also be cut off.
Make a few tiny vertical slits on the root ball to encourage root growth. Then, at a depth of at least one inch from the rim, place the root ball in the pot. Add soil to the new pot to complete the procedure.
After the complete re-potting, place the container under direct sunlight and hydrate the soil.
Overwintering Arabian Jasmine
Arabian Jasmine plants are undoubtedly great. But one thing about these plants is that they love warm temperatures. This floral plant prefers growing in zones 9 through 11. However, besides adding organic mulch, there is no need to overwinter them if they are grown in their optimum growing zones. To help the jasmine roots stay warm in the winter, cover them with organic mulch such as leaves, straws, shredded hardwoods, or other insulating organic material.
However, you should move your plant indoors if growing it in a region that experiences frost. Growing these plants in containers is usually best, as moving them is convenient. Provide the plants with typical room temperature throughout the daytime indoors and mild temperatures at night. The container should be put in a bright window, preferably one facing south. You can utilize fluorescent lighting or artificial grow lights if your home doesn’t have enough natural daylight.
Alternatively, you can use frost cloth if you planted Arabian jasmine outside in the garden soil. Frost cloths come in various shapes and sizes and serve as plant blankets. You can use a frost cloth to protect the jasmine vines. Nevertheless, confirm that the material permits light to pass through. Additionally, it is not a good idea to attach or tie the clothing to the plants directly. Another choice for shielding your Arabian Jasmine plants from heavy snowfall is fabric tree coverings.
Watering the Plants
Watering Arabian jasmine plants is necessary in the flowering season. Other than that, these plants are irrigated only if the soil moisture is inadequate. These plants cannot stand waterlogging and would be damaged in excess of water. Hence, they are watered moderately. After the flowering season is over, the watering is stopped.
Fertilizing and Manuring
Arabian jasmine plants require 15-30 kilograms of Farm Yard Manure (FYM), 60-120 grams of Nitrogen content, 120-240 grams of Phosphorus content, and 120-240 grams of Potassium content per year, which should be given in 3 to 4 split doses. After manuring, watering is resumed.
These 5 highly effective organic garden fertilizers shall give you insight on what is best to use.
How to make a DIY Manure for your Arabian Jasmine plants?
Arabian jasmine plants require manure that has a balanced amount of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. Ideally, the manure should contain 45 to 50% Phosphorus content, 30 to 35% Nitrogen content, and 20 to 25% Potassium content.
Phosphorus will stimulate the flower bud protection by regulating the flowering hormones. Nitrogen will help in the leave formation and root growth, while Potassium would strengthen the shoots of the plant.
Hence, all these elements should be provided in sufficient quantity to the plants for optimal growth and flowering.
Here are three different types of manures you can use:
- Coffee grounds: These contain significant amounts of Nitrogen, Potassium, and Phosphorus. You can either dilute the used coffee grounds by adding five parts of soil before sprinkling them onto the plants, or simply add them to your usual farmyard compost.
- Homemade compost tea: Take a bucket and add farmyard compost to it. Add about 4 to 5 times the amount of water to it. Let it sit for a couple of days and keep stirring in between. Add about 1 to 2 cups of this compost tea to the roots of your Arabian jasmine plants.
- DIY Fertilizer: Mix 2 parts banana peel compost, 1 part Vermicompost, 1 part mustard cake’s powder, and 1 part urea together thoroughly. Add 2 tablespoons of this fertilizer to your plants.
Defoliating, Pruning, and Trimming of Arabian Jasmine
Defoliation refers to the shedding of leaves from a plant. Generally, it happens naturally in Arabian Jasmine plants once you stop watering. However, it can be done manually too.
It involves the removal of excess leaves or foliage. Further, it enhances the growth of the plant and boosts the yield. Also remember, it maximizes exposure to light and air by eliminating unnecessary competition.
Pruning follows defoliation and boosts the floriferousness of the plants.
The steps to prune Arabian Jasmine are given below:
- Start by removing any dead or diseased leaves and stems.
- Untangle the vines, and remove ones that no longer produce any flowers.
- Trim any stems that are growing away from the main vine.
- Shorten the stems and contain them within certain bounds.
Trimming is similar to pruning but involves cutting off excess leaves, overgrowth of the vine, thinning out overcrowded vines, and shaping the vine.
Research studies have shown that annual pruning and defoliation are immensely beneficial for Arabian Jasmine plants. It exerts temporary pressure on the plant, encouraging it to thrive and push back.
It also enhances the nutrient content and vegetative growth in these plants. Effectively pruned plants show early flowering and prolonged flowering seasons, hence boosting the overall yield. However, it should be kept in mind that these procedures should only be carried out by experts.
Harvesting
Flowers from this plant cannot be harvested until after at least two years of plantation. Harvesting is done during the early morning because the flowers are most fragrant at that time.
Flowers collected during the afternoon yield lesser oil and fragrance than those harvested very early in the day.
One plantation of Arabian jasmine flowers can give significant economic yield for up to 10 to 15 years after plantation.
Protection against Pests & Diseases
Though Arabian Jasmine plants show resistance to most pests and mites, sometimes they are harmed by certain pests.
- Bud worms: Small green caterpillars feed on the plant leaves and the flower petals. This results in loss of vegetation, fading of color, or ruining of the flower buds due to excreta.
- Midges: Certain insects like mosquitoes and house flies lay eggs at the base of flower buds. The maggots enter the buds and feed from within, resulting in the wilting of buds.
- Leaf thrips: These are seen in large numbers on the lower surface of the leaves and feed on the leaf sap and lamina. The leaves, as a result, become leathery, yellowish, and may dry off.
- Stem borer: Larvae of some insects bore into the stem. This results in damaging and drying off of the affected stems, and eventually the whole branch.
Against such insects, certain mild pesticides like Quinalphos, Carbaryl, and Dimethoate can be used.
Bonus Read: Been trying to get rid of tree stumps? Check out these 6 strong tree stump killers.
Some diseases which can damage these plants are given below:
- Sooty Mold: Blackish mold appears on the leaf surfaces, reducing photosynthesis. This affects the growth of plants.
- Bacterial Infection: Plants may get wilted off and die due to such infestation.
These can be dealt with by spraying appropriate fungicides and mild chemical compounds like copper hydrate, oxytetracycline, etc., and other such home remedial measures like diluted starch solution and so on.
Uses and Health Benefits of Arabian Jasmine
- This flower is extensively harvested for its soft scent and is used to add fragrance to perfumes, lotions, and creams.
- Its oil is extracted to manufacture essential oils, which make up an important ingredient of soaps, cosmetics, and skincare products.
- It also has immense herbal importance as Jasmine tea is widely used for detoxifying and releasing mental stress.
- An oil obtained by boiling the leaves of this plant is used to anoint the head for eye-related issues.
- Its roots are also boiled to obtain an oil which helps to arrest the secretion of milk.
- Jasmine hair oil is known to have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Hence, it is used to treat lice and other scalp infections.
- These flowers are often utilized to make garlands, bouquets, and hair accessories.
- In foods, its extract is sometimes used to add flavor to beverages, frozen dairy products, sweets, baked products, gelatines, candies, and puddings.
- These flowers are also used as religious offerings.
Important Tips to Boost Flowering
Here are some tips that you must know to augment flowering in your Arabian Jasmine plants:
- Make sure the plant gets enough sunlight, ideally 5 to 6 hours.
- Water moderately
- Trim the branches that are not flowering by about 1 inch from the tip. This would activate the growth hormones and stimulate flowering.
- Manure with a Phosphorus rich fertilizer.
Key takeaways
| Common Names | Zambak, Sampaguita, and Sambac Jasmine |
| Botanic Name | Jasminum Sambac |
| Family | Oleaceae |
| Plantation Zones | Zones 9 to 11 |
| Height & Spread | Usually, 0.5 to 3 meters & grows as a vine or shrub |
| Propagation | Generally, by cutting or layering |
| Light requirements | Best growth under 5 to 6 hours of full sunlight |
| Watering | Requires low to moderate watering |
| Flowering | Throughout the year, but mostly in April to May |
| Harvesting | After about one or two years of plantation |
Conclusion
To conclude, Arabian Jasmine is a delightful plant and is definitely worth all the efforts. Its delicate fragrance and simplistic flowers would add to the grace and charm of your garden. Being evergreen, it would remain steadfast in your backyard, if properly planted and nurtured.
Nevertheless, it is essential to be sure that the relief features and geographical conditions of your area will be appropriate for Arabian jasmine. This plant is easy to handle and take care of, but it is a good idea to be well versed with some vital specifications and requirements.
We hope this guide provided you with all the required information and that you will cherish these plants. Happy Gardening!
Bonus Read: Ever thought of planting Brussel sprouts? This guide will teach you the ins and outs of the same!