: Late May to mid-June. Ensure overnight lows stay above

: Look for deep, uniform emerald green leaves. Reject plants with "interveinal chlorosis" (yellowing between green veins), which indicates iron deficiency or pH issues.

: Useful for finding rare varieties. Reputable online nurseries include Perfect Plants Nursery , Fast-Growing-Trees , and PlantsbyMail . 2. What to Look for (Inspection Checklist)

: Preferred for regional expertise and better root health. Over 80% of big-box store gardenias may suffer from inconsistent transit conditions.

To buy healthy gardenias that will thrive, you should prioritize during late spring (May–June) . Selecting the right variety is critical, as gardenias are finicky and their hardiness varies greatly between cultivars. 1. Best Time and Location to Buy