How to Grow Petunias

Few flowers rival the profuse blooming and dramatic color of petunias. Petunias are simply breathtaking as they cascade over the sides of window boxes or hanging baskets and are stunning tucked between the stones of walls and natural barriers. Not only are they beautiful and aromatic, but they are also easy to grow and care for.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Petunia seedlings
• Hanging baskets
• Window box
• Potting Soil
• Vermiculite/Peat Moss (optional)
• Water-soluble Fertilizer

1. Consider the many types and colors of petunias available. The magnificent wave petunia will provide blankets of color as it cascades from containers. Other, smaller varieties are ideal for tucking into a small areas to bring a dash of color.

2. Select seedlings that are short and bushy. These will make the best plants for you baskets or window boxes. Plants that have grown tall and spindly have likely suffered from a lack of adequate sunlight and will not produce as well as they should.

3. Look for plants that are just ready to bloom. Petunias produce fresh blooms each day as the older blooms fade and close. A plant that has many blooms, but no buds may look great when you buy it, but you will soon find yourself without blooms. The best choice is a plant with many buds. You may have to wait a little longer for the blooms, but you will be rewarded for your patience when the plant finally bursts forth with prolific blooms.

4. Fill you planter or basket 1/2 to 3/4 full with all purpose potting soil that has been mixed with vermiculite or peat moss. This will cut down on weight and increase the soil's ability to absorb and retain water.

5. Add no more than three wave petunia plants to a 10-inch to 12-inch pot. A standard window box may hold up to six of smaller varieties of petunias, but two wave petunias will provide profuse blooming that lasts all season.

6. Water the soil thoroughly and hang you petunias in a sunny location. Although petunias will grow in partial shade, direct sun is preferred for bigger and brighter blooms.

7. Water whenever the soil dries out. Petunias are vigorous growers and require adequate water or they will quickly wilt. Hanging baskets and window boxes may need to be watered daily during the hottest days of summer.

8. Dead head by removing faded blooms on a daily basis. This will encourage the plant to produce new blooms.

9. Fertilize with a water soluble fertilizer once a month during the growing season.

Tips & Warnings

• If petunias cease blooming or show signs of dying, cut them back to 4 to 6 inches from the soil level. Be sure to keep them well watered and they will soon resume growth and begin blooming again.