And just imagine the scent of this beautiful winter bloom filling your home. Goodbye chemical air freshener – hello fresh flowers!
But before you snap one up, note that not all jasmine flowers are fragrant. Look out for Jasminum polyanthum, the variety most commonly used when growing jasmine indoors, which has a sweet aroma that’s particularly fragrant at night. Sweet dreams!
Get a fresh air boost
To get the best from your indoor jasmine, it’s wise to give it some time to flourish outdoors first – in a sunny spot during the summer and again for a six-week stretch in the cooler autumn months. This gives the buds a boost ready for the February bloom of jasmine flowers.
Keep cool
The two big cautions with indoor jasmine cultivation are don’t overheat them and don’t let the soil dry out. Particularly while the buds are developing, the plant should be kept it in a cool, well lit but unheated room (under 18ºC) for the best chance of flourishing.
Beware the bathroom
Some say the bathroom is the ideal home for jasmine because of its moisture levels and bright light. But bathrooms are also synonymous with heat so think twice before placing one right next to your bath or shower.
Feeding time
Soil for your indoor jasmine plant should be porous and remain moist (but not soggy) throughout the year. Feed once a month during spring with a half-strength liquid fertiliser that’s low in nitrogen.
A regular trim
Jasmine plants are voracious climbers so you’ll need an indoor trellis to keep it in check – and be prepared to give it a regular trim. Prune your plant right back immediately after blooming; leave it too long and you could end up accidentally lopping off next year’s buds.
Check out Poppytalk for the full tutorial on this DIY jasmine kokedama.
