petunias

Petunia Growing And Care Guide

One of the most common garden flowers is Petunia (Petunia spp.), which can be grown in flower beds and pots. They are prolific bloomers and come in almost all colors, except for genuine blue. They have spreading foliage that is hairy and rather sticky, as well as broad, trumpet-shaped blooms that hummingbirds go nuts for. There is a wide range of species in the petunia genus. They can have solitary or double blooms, ruffled or smooth petals, striped, veined, or plain colors, mounding or cascade growth patterns, and even smell. The majority are sold as hybrids.

What are Petunias?

Petunias are plants that develop quickly; they will be fully grown by late spring. The estimated final spring frost date for your location will determine when to plant petunias; the plants should not be subjected to any frost. Petunias can bloom all summer long if you provide them with ample sunlight, water, and fertilizer, deadhead the spent blooms, and cut back scraggly foliage. They are annual plants that only thrive for one growing season in colder climates. Petunias reappear each year in their favorable growing regions, but they only live for around three years. They will, however, self-seed to continue growing.

Here are some brief facts about the popular aesthetic plant:

  • Latin name: Petunia spp.
  • Other names: Petunia
  • Native to: South America
  • Invasiveness: No
  • Tenderness: Annual, perennial
  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Water daily
  • Soil: Well-drained, moist
  • Hardiness zone: Zones 9 through 11, annual elsewhere
  • When to plant: 8 to 10 weeks before your last spring frost date
  • Spacing: 12 inches
  • Plant height: 6–24 in.
  • Bloom period: Spring, summer, fall
  • Time to maturity: 3-6 months
  • Container friendly: Yes
  • Fertilizer: 10-10-10
  • Toxicity: Non-toxic
  • Deer resistant: No
  • Pest resistant: No

Growing Petunias

Petunias prefer sunlight to shade. However, stifling summer heat and sun can temporarily stop flowers from blooming.

Throughout the growing season, the plants will need frequent feeding and watering (spring to fall). Additionally, they might value some weather protection, which could entail relocating petunias in pots to a safe location or erecting a temporary canopy over petunias in potted plants.

What Does A Petunia Look Like?

petunias

Petunia varieties vary in appearance and maintenance requirements. The petunia types are divided into five major groups based on their traits:

Grandiflora: The flowers in this petunia variety are very enormous. However, they struggle in warm, muggy weather.

Multiflora: Compared to Grandiflora variants, these petunia cultivars have smaller flowers, but they produce more flowers overall. Additionally, they can withstand damp circumstances better.

Floribunda: These petunias are in between the Grandiflora and multiflora categories. They blossom frequently and in a variety of sizes.

Milliflora: The blossoms on milliflora petunias measure less than 2 inches across. However, they are numerous and resilient.

Spreading/trailing: Trailing petunias have a spreading, low-to-the-ground growing habit.

How Often To Water Petunias

Petunias dislike being dry for extended periods, like many other flowering annuals. However, they also dislike sitting in moist soil since it might cause their roots to rot. Furthermore, plants with too much water may become lanky and produce few flowers. When there isn’t any rainfall, it is generally adequate to soak beds once or twice a week in 1 to 2 inches of water. Petunias in pots and other spreading varieties, however, often require more frequent and thorough watering. Don’t let the soil completely dry out more than 2 inches below the surface.

Sunlight

Most petunia varieties prefer full sun, which often means at least six hours every day of direct sunlight. However, in the summertime, some shade will assist to keep them cool and blossom more effectively (particularly against the intense afternoon light).

Soil

Light, healthy soil with good drainage is preferred by petunias. They may grow in a wide range of soil types as long as they drain effectively. Additionally, they prefer a pH of slightly acidic soil. Petunias should only be planted outside once the risk of frost has passed since the ground has to be warm and malleable. Plants need to be around a foot apart.

Fertilizing

Petunias should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer when they are planted. Compost should also be incorporated into the soil. After that, fertilize with a liquid fertilizer designed for flowering plants every 2 to 3 weeks beginning in July and continue until the plants begin to fade in the fall.  

Growing Petunia In Containers

The most typical way to buy petunias is as young plants from a florist. However, starting petunias from seed might be worthwhile, particularly if you’re aiming for a specific type. Sow your petunia seeds about 10 to 12 weeks before the anticipated final day of frost in your zone. The method for growing petunias from seed are as follows:

The tiny petunia seeds should be dispersed over a wet seed-starting mixture. Do not bury them; instead, gently squeeze them down because they require light to sprout.

After that, wrap the container with transparent plastic and place it somewhere warm that is out of the direct sun. Within seven to ten days, seedlings ought to appear.

Care & Tips

Petunias are tolerant plants that bloom frequently, but they occasionally experience problems that you can probably manage.

Dried petunia flowers or foliage can occur for a variety of causes, but the majority of them are related to water: either too much or not enough. Examine the soil. Water your petunias if the ground is not damp. 

Common Problems

Aphids, slugs, flea beetles, and snails that eat the stems and leaves are some pests that may plague petunia plants. Often, you can just use a strong water blast to spray pests off the plants. However, you can apply an insecticide if the infestation is serious and prevents flowering.

Petunias can be vulnerable to fungus-related illnesses like grey mold, particularly in wet regions. If you live in a humid climate, choose a variety that has a greater moisture tolerance.

Propagating Petunia plants

Stem cuttings can be used to multiply petunias. Gardeners frequently use this technique if they wish to save a specific variety—especially one that is difficult to get at nurseries—and grow it indoors throughout the winter so that they can plant it outside once the danger of frost has passed in the spring. In the autumn, just before any frost, take a cutting from a healthy plant.

Uses For Petunia

They can be utilized as seasonal groundcovers, color masses, borders, containers, and hanging baskets. Planting petunias in broad sunlight is recommended.

Petunias are said to signify desire, hope, and peace. Petunias once stood for wrath and bitterness, but that has changed with time as these lovely flowers have found a home in garden beds and pots across the USA.

Mayukh Saha
Freelance Writer
Mayukh is a Content Marketer and Social Media Manager with over 5 years of experience in the industry. Mayukh believes in the power of content; how it can positively impact lives, scale businesses and touch people. In his spare time Mayukh likes to read about latest tech trends and loves to travel in the nature. You can reach him at [email protected].