What growing conditions do tuberoses like?

Tuberoses are native to Mexico, but they can be grown in a wide variety of locations and conditions. They like it warm - in the 70s to 90s during most of the growing season.  But they will grow in cooler conditions as well. However, they do not flower well when temperatures are consistently at or above the high 90’s.

Contrary to the above picture, they do not need a guard dog, but we'll share some information about pests in a later post!

They can be grown in zones 3-10.

They need a minimum of six hours of full sun each day.  The more, the better!  If they are grown in shade or partial shade, the stems will be weak and spindly with few flowers.

Tuberoses like sandy/loamy soil best, but will tolerate a wide variety of soils, even claylike soil. As long as the soil is well-drained with proper nutrients, they will grow.  Tuberoses do not like wet feet - they will rot quickly. They grow best at pH between 6.5 and 7.5. 

If you are not sure of your soil type or pH, we recommend contacting your local agricultural extension service to get a soil test done. It will tell you not only the pH, but also the soil type and the status of the macro nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium). Additionally, it will include recommendations for what to do to get your soil back to an appropriate pH - adding either lime or sulfur as appropriate.

If you are growing in pots, a good quality potting mix will work.  Even better is a mixture of half potting mix and half garden topsoil.

Make sure you use pots that drain.