Gardenia jasminoides, Cape Jasmine, Common Gardenia 300, 1000, 2000 seeds

(Cape Jasmine, Zhi-zi) Low-growing evergreen shrub native to China.  Cultivated worldwide for its waxy, delightfully fragrant blossoms, Gardenia is best planted outdoors in the south and kept as a container plant in the northern states. Traditional usage (TCM): drains heat and resolves toxicity.  The flowers are used to flavor tea.  Plant prefers part shade to full sun and moist, rich, slightly acidic soil.  Sow in spring.  Place seed on surface of soil, cover with about 1/4 inch of soil, tamp securely and keep evenly moist and warm until germination, which can take 30 to 60 days.  Work seedlings up in successively larger pots until they are large enough to withstand the rigors of the landscape.  Space shrubs at least 3 feet apart.

USDA zone: 8

Growing Info, follow in order:

Scarification: Soak in water, let stand in water for 24 hours.

Stratification: none required.

Germination: sow seed 1/16" deep, tamp the soil, lightly mulch the seed bed.