Few scents capture a Pakistani summer evening like motia — Arabian jasmine. A single plant by a doorway or window can perfume a whole courtyard after sunset. The good news is that motia loves our heat and is easy to grow, in the ground or in a pot. Here is how to keep yours healthy and covered in those little white flowers.

Sun — the more the better

Motia is a sun-lover. Give it at least five to six hours of direct sun a day; more sun means more flowers. A too-shady spot gives you a green, leafy plant with few blooms. A bright balcony, sunny courtyard corner or a spot against a warm wall is perfect.

Watering

Keep the soil lightly moist through the hot flowering months, but never waterlogged. In peak Lahore summer that often means watering daily or every other day for a potted plant; in winter, when it rests, cut back sharply. Let the top of the soil dry a little between drinks.

Soil and pots

Motia is not fussy, but it flowers best in rich, well-draining soil. In a pot, mix in some compost and make sure there is a good drainage hole. A pot is ideal if you want to move the scent onto a terrace or near a sitting area — and it keeps the plant a manageable size.

The secret to more flowers: pruning and feeding

  • Prune after the main bloom. Trim the plant back lightly once flowering slows to encourage fresh shoots — and jasmine flowers on new growth, so pruning literally makes more flowers.
  • Feed in the growing season. A fertiliser slightly higher in phosphorus (the middle number) through spring and summer pushes blooms rather than just leaves.
  • Deadhead spent flowers to keep it tidy and productive.

Winter care

Motia slows down and may drop some leaves in Lahore's cool months — this is normal. Water much less, hold off on feeding, and protect a young potted plant from hard frost. It will bounce back with vigour when the weather warms.

Common questions

Why is my motia not flowering?

Almost always too little sun, or a lack of pruning and feeding. Move it into full sun, prune lightly after each flush, and feed through spring and summer.

Can I grow motia in a pot?

Yes, and it is a great idea — a pot lets you place the scent where you sit in the evening. Use a well-draining mix and a sunny spot.

How often should I water jasmine in summer?

Often — a potted motia in peak summer may need water daily. Keep the soil lightly moist but never soggy.

Want to fill your evenings with scent? We keep motia (Arabian jasmine) at the farm — come and pick a healthy, ready-to-bloom plant.