Fertilizing Your Asian Jasmine Plant:
The Dos and Don’ts

Asian jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum) is a popular evergreen ground cover that is commonly found in gardens and landscapes. It is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in different types of soil conditions, but fertilization is necessary to keep the plant healthy and vigorous. In this article, we will discuss the dos and don’ts of fertilizing your Asian jasmine plant.

Dos

1. Fertilize in Spring

Spring is the best time to fertilize your Asian jasmine plant. This is when the plant starts to grow actively after the dormant winter months. A slow-release fertilizer with a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) is recommended. A 10-10-10 NPK ratio is ideal for Asian jasmine plants.

2. Use Organic Fertilizer

Organic fertilizer is a better option than chemical fertilizers because it contains natural ingredients that are slow-releasing and provide nutrients to the plant gradually. Organic fertilizers also improve soil fertility and promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms that help plants absorb nutrients.

3. Water Properly After Fertilizing

After applying fertilizer, water your Asian jasmine plant thoroughly to help distribute the nutrients evenly in the soil. Watering also prevents the fertilizer from burning the roots of the plant.

4. Apply Fertilizer Regularly

Fertilizing your Asian jasmine plant regularly helps keep it healthy and vigorous. Apply fertilizer once every three months during the growing season (spring and summer).

Don’ts

1. Don’t Over-Fertilize

Over-fertilizing your Asian jasmine plant can do more harm than good. Too much fertilizer can burn the roots of the plant, resulting in yellow leaves and stunted growth. It can also make the plant more susceptible to pests and diseases.

2. Don’t Use Chemical Fertilizers

Chemical fertilizers contain synthetic ingredients that can harm beneficial microorganisms in the soil and pollute groundwater. They also release nutrients quickly, which can lead to over-fertilization and nutrient leaching.

3. Don’t Fertilize During Winter Months

Asian jasmine plants go dormant during winter months, so there is no need to fertilize them during this time. Applying fertilizer during winter can cause new growth that is vulnerable to frost damage.

4. Don’t Apply Fertilizer Directly to Leaves

Applying fertilizer directly to leaves can burn them and cause damage to the plant. Always apply fertilizer to the soil around the base of the plant.

FAQ

Q: How often should I fertilize my Asian jasmine plant?

A: Fertilize your Asian jasmine plant once every three months during the growing season (spring and summer).

Q: What type of fertilizer should I use for my Asian jasmine plant?

A: A slow-release fertilizer with a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) is recommended. A 10-10-10 NPK ratio is ideal for Asian jasmine plants.

Q: Can I use chemical fertilizers on my Asian jasmine plant?

A: It is not recommended to use chemical fertilizers on Asian jasmine plants because they can harm beneficial microorganisms in the soil and pollute groundwater.

Q: What happens if I over-fertilize my Asian jasmine plant?

A: Over-fertilizing your Asian jasmine plant can burn the roots of the plant, resulting in yellow leaves and stunted growth. It can also make the plant more susceptible to pests and diseases.

Q: Is it necessary to water my Asian jasmine plant after fertilizing?

A: Yes, it is necessary to water your Asian jasmine plant after fertilizing to help distribute the nutrients evenly in the soil and prevent root burn.