When and How to Propagate Jasmine Plants
Jasmine originated in the tropics, so it will grow best when transplanted outdoors once the weather approaches summer temperatures. Find out when your local temperatures will average 70 F (21 C) during the day and count back from then to determine when to start your jasmine seedlings.
Jasmine seeds
Start jasmine seeds indoors about three months before your outdoor planting date. Soak the seeds for 24 hours before planting. Fill six-pack cells with potting soil, and soak the soil completely. Allow it to drain before planting, then plant one seed in each cell. Cover the six-packs with plastic to help retain moisture and place them in direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist while the seedlings sprout. Repot seedlings when they get two pairs of true leaves, putting each seedling in a gallon-sized (3.78 L.) planter. Keep the plants indoors for at least one month after this, or grow your jasmine as a houseplant the first year before transplanting outdoors.
Jasmine cuttings
If starting a jasmine plant by rooting jasmine cuttings is the way you’d rather propagate, start by making cuttings of the stem tips from a healthy jasmine plant. Make the cuttings about 6 inches long (15 cm.), and cut each one directly below a leaf. Strip the leaves from the bottom part of the cutting and dip it in rooting hormone powder. Place each cutting into a hole in damp sand in a planter, and place the planter in a plastic bag to hold moisture. Keep the planter in a 75-degree room (24 C.) out of direct sunlight. Roots should develop within a month, after which you can transplant the jasmine plants into potting soil to strengthen their root systems before putting them into the garden.
Tips for Propagating Jasmine
Jasmine is a tropical plant and loves to be kept moist at all times. If you can’t mist or water new seedlings multiple times a day, install automatic watering systems and plastic covers to help retain moisture. Keeping soil moist doesn’t mean allowing the plant’s roots to soak in water. After a thorough watering, allow the planter to drain, and never leave a planter sitting in a tray of water.
