The highly fragrant flower, also known as Harsingar, Night jasmine, Queen of night (Raat ki Rani), or Tree of sorrow, can grow as a shrub or a tree. The plant produces flowers in clusters of white color having an orange-red center and blooms during the night. The plant is a native of South Asia and can be found in India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Thailand. Parijat flowers are the official flowers of West Bengal and are used in festivals as offerings for Goddess Durga and Lord Vishnu.
How to Grow Parijat?
The plant can be grown from cuttings and from seeds. We will discuss both methods one by one. The ideal growing season for Harsingar, either from cuttings or from seeds, is spring to the rainy season.
Growing Parijat from Cuttings
To grow Harsingar/ Parijat from cuttings, take a healthy and matured stem and cut it 6-8 inches. Remove the leaves at the lower section. Leave 3-4 leaves at the top. Cut the bottom of the cutting at 45°. Now insert the cuttings inside a well-draining and nutrient-rich soil about 1-1.5 inches. Water the soil and cover the pot with a plastic bag. Put the pot in partial shade for around 10-12 days. After around 10 days you will see new growths on the stem. Water the plant regularly.
Growing Parijat from Seeds
Growing Harsingar from seeds is somewhat similar to growing the plant from cuttings. For this take well-draining and nutrient-rich soil in a pot. Sow the seeds around 1 inch deep in the soil. Cover the seeds with soil and water them. Keep the pot in a shady area and water it regularly to keep the soil moist. Be aware not to over water.
Plant Care
Light
Parijat plants require 6 hours of sunlight daily, however, they grow well in partial shade as well. When the temperature is high, protect your plant from the heat by keeping it in a shady area.
Water
Water the plant when the top layer of the soil is dry. Avoid watering your plant regularly during winters.
Soil
Parijat plant needs well-drained soil to grow healthy and bloom fully.
Fertilizers
Apply fertilizer to your plant in early spring. You can also use organic manure to boost flowering.
Pests and Diseases
The plant is resistant to most pests and diseases, however, aphids and mites can attack the plant. Use pesticides or neem oil to control pests.
Pruning
Parijat grows rapidly during summers when it is not flowering and can go out of shape. Prune your plant in the summers. Remove the dead stems, infected leaves, and the shape branches. Pruning also encourages more flowering on the plant.
Go and grow your Parijat plant and fill your home with the delightful scent of its flowers.
Thank You ! Yes.
Pretty! This has been a really wonderful article. Thank you for providing this info.