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How to Grow Petunias
Annual, Perennial Petunias are one of America's most popular flowers for planting around the yard and flowerbed. The wide array of huge blooms in spectacular colors produced by this easy to grow plant, is the reason for their popularity. While most people think of petunias as annuals, they are actually a perennial. Home gardeners usually grow new plants each year. They are native to South America. Petunias grow one 1' to 1 1/2' tall. The plant and stem are covered with soft hair. Brightly colored, trumpet shaped, single and double flowers are 2 to 5 inches in diameter. They come in a wide array of colors and bi-colors. Petunias are popular, as a bedding plant, and look great in groups. Many home gardeners will also grow Petunias in windowsill planters, and in containers on patios and decks. Don't forget to try some in hanging baskets, too.
Propagation: Petunias are grown from seeds. Petunia seeds can be directly seeded into your flower garden. Or they can be seeded indoors for transplanting later. We highly recommend an indoor start for these plants. Start Petunias in pots and containers indoors eight to twelve weeks before the last frost. The seedlings will transplant well into their permanent home.
How to Grow Petunias: Petunia plants like full sun and warm weather. They prefer rich, loose soil that drains well. Add plenty of compost prior to planting. At planting time, mix in a general purpose fertilizer. Sow Petunia seeds early in the season and cover lightly with 1/8" of fine garden or potting soil. Water thoroughly once. Transplant Petunias into your garden after the last frost date for your area. Space them 10-12" apart. They will tolerate some crowding. Planning your Petunia bed is important. A well laid out design looks stunning when in full bloom. Established Petunia plants require little attention. Keep the soil moist to slightly dry. Water them during dry periods. Use mulch to help retain moisture, and for a tidy appearance. Deadhead blooms to promote new flower buds. Plants will bloom all summer long.
Insect and Disease: Insect and disease problems are infrequent. Apply insecticides or fungicides only as needed.
More Information: Heating Mats- for an overall healthy start for your seedlings. |
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