How to Grow Pikake
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Pikake
Jasminum sambac
vinePikake is a tropical flowering vine prized for its intensely fragrant, delicate white flowers that bloom year-round in warm climates. Also known as Arabian jasmine, it produces small star-shaped flowers with a sweet, intoxicating scent used in Hawaiian lei and perfumery. This evergreen vine grows vigorously and is beloved in tropical and subtropical gardens.
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Example Pikake timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Pikake
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Pikake
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Pikake dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in USDA zones 10-12; can be grown in containers indoors in cooler climates
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Get my Pikake timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling/Cutting Establishment
4-6 weeksYoung plants with tender green leaves emerging from soil or rooting medium. Vine develops initial structure and root system.
Keep soil moist but not soggy. Provide bright, indirect light. Protect from strong winds. Maintain temperatures above 60°F.
Vegetative Growth
8-12 weeksVigorous vine growth with lush green foliage. Plant develops multiple stems and begins climbing/spreading along support structure.
Fertilize every 2 weeks with balanced fertilizer or one higher in nitrogen. Provide sturdy trellis or support. Prune to encourage bushier growth if desired.
Pre-flowering
4-8 weeksVine matures and produces flower buds along stems. Small terminal clusters appear at branch tips.
Switch to lower-nitrogen fertilizer (higher phosphorus and potassium) to encourage blooming. Maintain consistent moisture. Ensure adequate light.
Flowering
8+ weeks (continuous in zones 10-12)Abundant small, white, star-shaped flowers bloom in clusters. Flowers are highly fragrant, especially in evening. Blooms appear continuously in warm climates.
Continue regular watering and humidity. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Avoid excessive pruning during this stage. Maintain warm temperatures.
Seed Development/Dormancy
Variable; minimal dormancy in tropical zonesFlowers fade and small seed pods may develop. In very warm climates, flowering continues; in cooler areas or indoors, growth may slow.
Reduce watering slightly if growth slows. Continue fertilizing if blooming persists. Remove seed pods if you prefer plants focus energy on growth rather than seed production.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Mist foliage regularly; spray with water to dislodge mites. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap if infestation is severe. Increase humidity.
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Remove with cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Quarantine infested plants.
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Scrape off manually or treat with horticultural oil or neem oil spray. Repeat applications may be needed.
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Yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Ensure good air circulation.
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Improve drainage; reduce watering frequency. Use well-draining soil. Remove affected plants if severe. Apply fungicide if needed.
Uses
Floral Tea & Infusions
CulinaryPikake flowers can be dried and brewed into a delicate, aromatic tea with a sweet floral flavor. The flowers are also used to infuse syrups and simple syrups for cocktails and desserts. [source]
Hawaiian Lei & Floral Arrangements
CraftPikake is traditionally used to create fragrant Hawaiian lei and is highly valued for fresh floral arrangements, corsages, and ceremonial garlands due to its intoxicating scent. [source]
Aromatherapy & Traditional Remedies
MedicinalThe essential oil and flowers are used in aromatherapy for their calming properties and to promote relaxation and mood elevation. Traditional uses include treating anxiety and improving sleep. [source]
Perfumery & Fragrance
HouseholdPikake flowers are extensively used in the fragrance industry to create luxurious perfumes, colognes, and scented products. The essential oil is one of the most prized floral fragrances. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe abundant fragrant flowers attract bees, moths, and other pollinators, making pikake beneficial for supporting local pollinator populations in tropical gardens. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Pikake is primarily grown for ornamental flowers and fragrance rather than harvest. Harvest flowers by cutting stems in early morning when fragrance is strongest. Use fresh flowers immediately for lei or cut arrangements. Flowers have a short vase life (1-3 days).
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Pikake is Hawaii's most beloved flowers and is featured in the state flower lei; the name 'pikake' comes from the Hawaiian word for 'peacock,' which was said to be the favorite bird of the first Hawaiians to grow the plant.
- 🌱 Jasmine sambac produces a sweeter, more intense fragrance in the evening and at night, which is why the flowers are traditionally harvested in early morning or late afternoon.
- 🌱 The fragrance compounds in pikake flowers include benzyl acetate and linalool—the same compounds found in high-end luxury perfumes, and a single flower can perfume an entire room.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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