When to plant Jasmine?

Jasmine (Jasminum officinale) thrives in full sun or partial shade, though flowering is most abundant in a sunny position sheltered from cold winds. Choose a site with well-drained loam or sandy soil; heavy clay should be improved with grit and organic matter before planting. The best planting times are March to May or September to October, avoiding waterlogged winter soil and summer drought stress. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth. Loosen the soil at the base and mix in a generous amount of well-rotted compost or manure. Position the plant so the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil—planting too deep can lead to stem rot. Space plants 150 cm apart if you're planting more than one, or position a single specimen where it has room to spread 150–300 cm wide and climb 3–7 metres high. Backfill the hole, firming gently with your heel to eliminate air pockets, then water thoroughly. Jasmine is a vigorous twining climber and needs sturdy support from the outset: install trellis, wires, or a pergola before or immediately after planting. Tie in the main stems loosely with soft garden twine to guide growth in the right direction. Apply a 5–7 cm layer of mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the stem itself, to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Water regularly for the first growing season until the roots are well established, especially during dry spells in spring and summer.