Do Gardenias Really Like Pickle Juice?

Question

I have been told that gardenias like pickle juice. The person that told me this has some lovely gardenia trees. She said she uses a watered down solution of pickle juice on her trees and bushes. Is this true?

Answer 1

I've always been of the opinion that a lot of plants are like people. I might not mind an occasional sip of pickle juice, but danged if I'd want it reallly often! I just don't think many plants would do well with the sugar and salt levels in pickle juice. Vinegar will help acid loving plants if diluted, but is harmful if the plant is dry or the vinegar is undiluted. There are plants that are salt tolerant, but i'd stick to s omething made for plants and not people.