There aremany petunia varieties to choose from; most of them are hybrids.
You’ll find these prolific bloomers with wide, trumpet-shaped flowers in almost every color but true blue.
The branching foliage is hairy and somewhat sticky.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
The growth habit is mounding or cascading.
Some petunia varieties are more fragrant than others.
Learn more about how to grow petunias as annuals or short-lived perennials.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
The Spruce / Kara Riley
Petunias are fast-growing plants that will reach their mature size by late spring.
The proper spacing depends on the variety.
Multiflora and grandiflora petunias should be spaced about 12 inches apart and trailing petunias at least 18 inches apart.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
Compact Milliflora petunias are planted closer together, about 4 to 6 inches apart.
Avoid soggy soil, which leads to root rot.
Water
Like many fast-growing flowering annuals, petunias dont tolerate dry conditions for long periods.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
Too much water, however, results in leggy plants with few flowers.
On average, they need 1 to 2 inches of water per week, more in hot weather.
Spreading types of petunias and petunias in pots typically need more frequent and deeper watering.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
Water whenever the top 2 inches of soil feel dry.
They tolerate temperatures down to about 40F.
Frost and freezing temperatures will damage and ultimately kill the plants in the fall.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
Too much heat can cause a temporary hiatus in blooming.
Fertilizer
Feed petunias at the time of planting with a complete, balanced all-purpose fertilizer.
Its also helpful to work some compost into the soil.
Pruning
When planting young petunias,pinch backthe stems to encourage more branching and a fuller plant.
How far back to pinch depends on the plant.
If it is a short, stocky seedling, just pinch an inch or less.
But if the seedling is gangly, pinch the stem back by half.
Petunias often develop leggy stems, which can be prevented by deadheading flowers regularly and pinching back the stems.
As the plant regrows, it should be less leggy.
Propagating Petunias
Some varieties of petunias are protected by plant patents and may not be propagated.
Potting and Repotting Petunias
Petunias make excellent container plants.
Use a container with large drainage holes.
Any pot material is fine, but opt for a light color to help prevent the roots from overheating.
Fill the pot with a high-quality all-purpose potting mix.
Disturbing the roots during the growing season might hinder blooming.
For afuller look, plant up to three plants in a 12-inch container.
Petunias are susceptible to fungal diseases, such as gray mold, especially in rainy climates.
Opt for a variety that has a higher tolerance for moisture if you live in wet conditions.
What Do Petunia Flowers Look and Smell Like?
Petunia flowers are single and funnel-shaped, consisting of five fused or partially fused petals.
The flowers of the hundreds of petunia varieties vary greatly in size, shape, and color.
The flowers are fragrant, with a sweet, fruity, nutty smell reminiscent of cherries and almonds.
How to Encourage More Blooms
To keep petunias blooming all summer.
ensure they get enough sun, water, and fertilizer.
Also,deadhead the spent flowersand prune back scraggly, leggy growth in mid-summer.
Older petunia varieties typically need deadheading to continue blooming at their best throughout the summer.
However, many newer varieties dont require deadheading.
Common Problems With Petunias
Petunias are easy-going plants but occasionally you may spot the following issues.
If it’s not damp, water your petunias.
If it’s moist, ease up on your watering routine.
Review the growing conditions of your petunias one by one to determine the cause.
A spot location with sun until midday and afternoon shade is often ideal.
In most climates, petunias last one season as annuals.
But in frost-free climates, petunias are short-lived perennials that last two to three years.
The soil should have warmed up to at least 60F when you plant them.
It depends on the pop in.
Overwintering Annuals Is Possible With These Tips.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Pentunia (Group).Missouri Botanical Garden.
