Question
I have 2 gardenia plants, and would like to try planting from seed, but where are the seeds?  When the bloom dries, I don't find any seeds. One plant is a Augusta.

Answer
Hi Ester,
Thanx for your question.  I've never tried to get seeds from gardenias.  Most of what I've been reading indicates that gardenias are propagated via cuttings.  Most gardenias are the result of hybridization and it seems as though maybe they are sterile (do not produce seeds or viable seeds).

Check out this Youtube demonstration.  It's pretty good, except she doesn't show you the end result.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_wrYfyz3IU

Basically, when I'm rooting cuttings, I strip all the leaves off, except the top two or three.  Remove all blossoms or blossom buds.  Make the cutting where the leaf meats the stem.  Dip in rooting hormone.  I prefer sand or a soil less mix, but you can use soil.  Keep damp but not soggy and keep the bottom warm.  On top of a fridge is good or under some lights in a warm bedroom.  After about 8 weeks, you should be able to see rooting if you probe gently around the cutting.  Do not tug on it or you can break the roots.  When new green growth starts, the cutting is probably sufficiently rooted.   I hope this helps.
Tom