Parijat plant or Harshringar or Night blooming jasmine is a very famous plant of South Asia and South east Asia. It generally can grow as a shrub or a small tree that can reach to 33 feet in height.
This flowering plant produces flowers in cluster that have white coloured six to eight corolla with an orange red centre which blooms only during night and is known for alluring fragrance that can make your garden divine.
Recently Indian Prime Minister Shree Narendra Damodardas Modi shared the importance of the Parijat plant and planted one in Ayodhya. If you are interested to know about this plant and the benefits then you are at the right page.
In the article I will discuss the spiritual connection, benefits and growing technique of parijat plant.
Table of Contents
Spiritual Importance of Parijat
The origin of this plant is related to Samudra Manthan according to Bhagvata Purana, Mahabharat, and Vishnu Purana. It is said that Lord Indira the king of heaven used to grow this plant in his garden and Apsara Urvashi used to sit under the shade of this tree to get relief from stress.
After Lord Krishna defeated and killed the demon Narakasura, the king of heaven Lord Indira gifted parijat plant as a gift to Lord Krishna. He bought this plant from heaven to the earth and gifted to his beloved wife Rukmini.
There is very interesting twist that happened at this point of the story. Goddess Satyabhama the third consort of Lord Krishna is blessed by Goddess Aditi of heaven to remain young forever.
Later on from the effect of this amazing plant bought from heaven Goddess Rukmini also became young forever. A very famous devotee revealed this secret to Goddess Satyabhama.
After hearing the benefits and effects of this plant she started asking Lord Krishna for having this plant in her garden. Lord Krishna found a solution for this situation.
After that parijat plant started blooming in night in the garden of goddess Rukmini and by the morning the flowers used to fall on the ground in the garden of goddess Satyabhama that was just opposite to the garden wall of goddess Rukmini.
Goddess Satyabhama is believed to be an avatar of mother earth that is the nature’s form of goddess Mahalakshami.
Because of this reason the flowers of this plant that falls during night after blooming are collected and are offered to goddess Lakshami.
Recently many people have started growing parijat plant after knowing the spiritual importance and benefits of this plant. I know you have also lots of questions regarding on how to grow parijat plant. Keep reading till the end to know answers of your questions.
How To Grow Parijat Or Night Blooming Jasmine?
Growing Season: You can start growing this plant from seeds or from stem cutting in the spring season to rainy season including summer season. In winters avoid germinating the seeds of this plant. Parijat or Night Blooming Jasmine love to grow in tropical to sub-tropical climate.
Propagation: You can propagate parijat plant from seeds, stem cuttings, or you can directly purchase seedlings from the market.
From Seeds: prepare potting mix of 50% normal garden soil + 50% any organic compost like vermi-compost. Mix it thoroughly and fill the germination tray with this germination potting mix.
Sow one seeds in each section at the depth of 2 cm and cover it with potting mix. Apply water gently in the soil to maintain adequate moisture. Do not overwater and keep maintaining moisture in the soil. Within 7 to 14 days you will notice seedlings coming out from the seed.
Transplantation: When your seedlings reaches 4 to 5 leaved stage or you have bought new plant from the plant nursery then you can transplant by following these points.
Can we grow parijat plant in pot?
My answer is definitely yes. I am growing parijat plant in an earthen pot of 16 inch in diameter with having three drainage holes at the bottom that removes all the excess water from the pot. Fill the growing container of 12 go 16 inch size.
Plant the new saplings the pot and cover the base of the plant with potting mix. Apply firm pressure around the base of the plant to fix the plant properly. Apply water in the pot and keep it in shade for at least 10 days till the plant get well established in the new environment.
From 5 years this plant is growing absolutely wonderful by following care tips that I learned while growing this plant.
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Parijat Or Night Blooming Jasmine Care Guide
Soil & Potting Mix: Parijat plant loves well drained soil, rich in organic matter. Prepare potting mix with 50% normal garden soil + 30% organic compost like vermicompost or leaf compost, mix it thoroughly.
Sunlight: Parijat plant or Night Blooming Jasmine requires 6 hours of sunlight daily. If the temperature is too high then try to protect this plant by keeping it in partial shade. Otherwise in normal conditions it can be kept in the open terrace garden under direct sunlight.
Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist but avoid waterlogging. Apply water only when top layer of soil seems dry. Avoid frequent watering during winters.
Fertilizers: From early spring to late fall, fertilize with two handful of any organic manure like cow dung manure once in a month.
From the end of July start applying 3 to 4 granules of DAP or use onion peel fertilizer for better flowering in this plant. They generally start flowering from August to December. Use jeevamrut or Waste decomposer to promote healthy growth.
Pruning: Pruning is the very important part to grow this plant. Keep checking for dead and injured branches and remove it from time to time to increase the growth of the plant.
Pest & Diseases: Parijat plant is resistant to most of the pest and diseases hence it is quite easy to grow and care for plant. If in severe case any pest attack occurs then you can spray neem oil to control the pest.
READ MORE: HOW TO MAKE NEEM OIL SPRAY
FAQ On Parijat
Can we grow Parijat on roof?
Yes we can grow Parijat on roof in medium to large sized containers that have at least 3 to 4 good drainage holes. Although growing on roof in pots will limit the overall growth of the plant but still it will grow to a good size and flower.
How much time does it take for Cestrum nocturnum to reach first bloom when growing them from seeds in early spring?
If you have propagated Night Blooming Jasmine or Cestrum nocturnum from seeds then it will take around 5 to 6 years at least to start blooming.
Conclusion
You have read the complete article, now it is the time to go and grow a parijat tree in your home garden and fill your home with the divine smell of its flowers. If you have any query regarding Parijat or Night Blooming Jasmine, then please comment below.
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I live in North Texas, what temperature I should bring it in.
You can grow Parijat tree within temperature range of 10 to 32 degrees Celsius.
I hope this will help!