By Julie Christensen
Petunias are maybe the most popular blossoming one-year in the U.S — and what ’s not to bang about them ? They bloom all summertime long and have a faintly sweet aroma that becomes more marked in the eventide . Petunia flowers come in a Brobdingnagian variety of colouring material , including variegate and striped varieties . They ’re also available in deviate sizes , growth patterns and efflorescence forms . Petunias shape well as both a bedding plant and in containers and basket .
The most common character of petunia is the grandiflora petunia , an old - fashioned industrial plant that produces large peak up to 5 inch across . Some mixed bag produce ruffled or double flowers . The one drawback to grandifloras is that they tend to become straggly after heavy rains or intense heat . They need continual deadheading and snarf to stay attractive throughout the summertime .
Multiflora Petunia are similar to grandiflora petunias , but they produce slightly littler flowers in abundant amount . They hold up better to the rigors of summer weather and do n’t want quite as much maintenance . They also come in single , double and frilled forms .
Milliflora petunias grow lilliputian 1 in heyday . Some varieties have a train habit . These Petunia are splendid as an accent plant life in container , or apply them entirely for dramatic essence .
Spreading petunias are your best wager for modest - upkeep blooms all summer long . These petunias tolerate drouth and heat and can pull through without a lot of deadheading . They can broadcast 3 feet or more in one time of year , making them an excellent choice as a dry land cover . Some have a train drug abuse and look beautiful in hanging baskets .
Planting and Caring for Petunias
Petunias need rich , well - draining soil , full Sunday and warmth . Most gardeners opt to develop them from nursery organ transplant , but you may startle them from seed , as well . fulfill a clean seed starting tray with a loose seeded player - set forth spiritualist . grade the seminal fluid on top of the soil , but do n’t cover them with soil . Petunias need Inner Light to bourgeon . Spray the soil lightly with water from a spray nursing bottle to dampen it and overcompensate the tray with plastic wrap . fructify the germ tray in a warm place so it remain around 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit . weewee it frequently to keep the soil moist , but not inert .
Plant petunias out of doors after the last expected hoarfrost when the plants stand at least 3 inches tall and have two or three leave of absence . If you buy nursery transplantation , choose small , compact plant . magniloquent , leggy plant do n’t fare well after transplant . Amend garden dirt with a bit of compost to improve drainage . apply a high-pitched - quality potting soil for batch and hang baskets . Never utilize garden stain in container . It ’s too heavy and can harbour diseases .
piss petunias at least each week , and as often as every other twenty-four hours or so during hot weather condition , to keep the soil slimly moist , but not wet , which can encourage legginess . Remove expend flowers and squeeze the industrial plant back occasionally to encourage compact growth . Milliflora and spreading genus Petunia do n’t necessitate deadheading – another rationality to grow them . Fertilize genus Petunia every three weeks with 1 tablespoonful granular all - purpose fertilizer diluted in 1 Imperial gallon water supply . Bring petunias indoors if a frost threatens because they ’re not dusty hardy .
Potential Pests and Disease Problems
Petunias do n’t have many pest or disease problem , but you may encounter budworm caterpillar . These green caterpillars are hard to see , but you may note fateful , seed - like droppings . The caterpillars eat their way through flush and leaves . Pick them off by hand and ruin them or dust the plant with Bt(bacillus thuringiensis ) .
Petunia Varieties Worth Trying
Want to learn more about growing petunias?
Visit these resources :
Petuniafrom Colorado State University Extension
Petunias for the Porch , Patio and Garden Spotfrom the University of Vermont Extension
