Gardenia Bud Drop: Transplant Shock and Acid Soil

Potted Gardenia Losing Buds in Los Angeles

Transplanting in bud causes bud drop. Needs rich, acidic, moist, well-drained soil. Feed composted manure spring, early/mid-summer. Weekly water, mulch. Full sun with afternoon shade in heat. Acid fertilizer (Miracid/azalea food) if soil alkaline.

Soil Testing and Amendment

• LA soils typically alkaline—test or assume
• Acid amendments or gardenia-specific food
• Side-dress: work composted manure into surface soil
• Composted manure odorless, safe for pots

Bud drop from transplant shock resolves with proper culture.