How to Grow Petunias
Annuals and Perennials
We usually think of Petunias as annual plants. Actually, most of them are
perennials. Most of us, just happen to grow them as annuals, especially up
north. They are native to Argentina, Brazil, and other parts of South America.
These attractive flowers caught the eye of early explorers, who collected
seeds to take back to Europe and to North America.
Petunias grow 12-15 inches tall. The Petunia plant and stem are covered
with soft hair. Bright and colorful funnel shaped flowers begin to bloom
as early as late spring. Flower blooms are produced in many single and multi
colors.
Petunias are popular, easy, and fun to grow. Fill an area or entire bed with
Petunias. They also are great in windowsills, containers, or even hanging
baskets.
Plant Height: 12"
Propagating Petunias:
Petunias are grown from seeds. Petunias seeds can be directly seeded into
your flower garden or seeded indoors for transplanting later. For spring
blooms, start your Petunias in pots and containers indoors six to eight weeks
before the last frost. The seedlings will transplant well into their permanent
home.
Sow Petunia seeds early in the season and cover lightly with 1/8" of fine
garden or potting soil. Water thoroughly once. They germinate slowly.
Note: We highly recommend a
heated germination mat, to increase
the speed of germination, and for a higher germination rate.
Transplant Petunias into your garden after the last frost date for your area.
Space them 10-12" apart. They will tolerate a little crowding. If you are
creating a flower bed, you may want to create a pattern or color scheme prior
to planting. Or, use mixed varieties.
Days to Germination: 10 - 21
How to Grow Petunia Plants:
Petunias like full sun. They prefer rich, loose soil that drains well.
But, they tolerate poorer soils. Add a general purpose fertilizer when
planting them, then once a month after that.
Once your Petunia plants are established, they should grow well with few
problems. Keep the soil moist to slightly dry. Water them during dry periods,
once or twice per week. Keep them well weeded, or apply a 2-3 inch layer
of mulch for a tidy appearance.
Tip: Remove spent blooms to promote additional blooms and extend the
blooming period all summer long, and right up to the first killing frost.
This will also keep the appearance neat and beautiful.
Petunia are half hardy annuals. They will often survive the first frost if
it is light. They will not survive a hard frost or freeze. Perennial varieties
of Petunias will emerge again in the spring ,in southern areas of the country.
Flowers Bloom: Summer to Frost
Insect and Disease:
Petunias seldom have problems with insects and disease. If insect or disease
problems occur, treat early with organic or chemical insect repellents and
fungicide.
More Gardening Information:
How
to Grow Petunia Plants - more on growing petunias
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