Growing Gardenias in Missouri (palms, spring, leaves, planting)

[bwesling]

Have a new gardenia that I grew from seeds. They are about one foot now and do have blooms. How can I keep them over the winter? Can they be planted outside and mulched?

[wit-nit]

Fall or spring is the best time for planting in warm areas.
Here's a good site for more info on gardenias in MO.
Gardenia jasminoides - Plant Finder

[LKJ1988]

I have 3 types in FL. One had big probs with sooty leaves and two mini type are doing fine.

[Isleofpalms85]

I hate to break you the bad news, but in much, if not all of Missouri, your gardenias don’t stand a chance of surviving the winters in Missouri, the Gardenias are only winter hardy to zones 7 and warmer, so unless you are located in the Missouri bootheel, your best bet would be to keep them indoors during the winter...

[DougStark]

I agree with Isleofpalms85. Your plant will likely be killed if (and when) the temp drops to 5 degrees or lower
Bring it in for the winter- put it in a chilly garage or an unheated bedroom and keep it moist.