How to Transplant Mexican Petunia Plants

Mexican petunias are warm-weather perennials. They bloom yearly with a profusion of light pink, funnel-shaped flowers. They grow best in high-moisture areas with well-drained soils, but can adapt to most soil types. Established plants are drought resistant, requiring less dry-weather maintenance than other plants. Mexican petunias also attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Transplanting these plants takes some preparation since the plants need special care right after they are planted in the ground. However, once they are established they are easy to care for and grow quickly.

Things You'll Need

• Mexican petunia seedlings
• Shovel
• Potting soil
• Organic fertilizer
• Eight, 24-inch tall wooden stakes
• Light-colored sheet
• Water

Instructions

1. Choose a space in full sun to plant your Mexican petunias. The more sun they receive, the more they will bloom.

2. Dig a hole 5 inches deep and 4 inches wide for each plant. Space the holes 7-8 inches apart. Line each hole with organic fertilizer and soak them with water.

3. Remove a Mexican petunia seedling from its tray and untangle the root ball slightly with your fingers. Place it in the center of one hole and soak the root ball and surrounding soil with water. Repeat for each plant; do not cover with soil.

4. Wait about 2 hours until the roots of the petunias are moist but no longer soaked. Fill each hole in with potting soil and press lightly.

5. Drive a wooden gardening stake into each corner of your Mexican petunia plot. Tie a corner of the sheet to each stake so that the seedlings are in constant shade.

6. Water the seedlings deeply and daily. When they no longer appear to be wilting, remove the sheet and water deeply every 2-3 days.

References

• Do It Yourself.com: How to Care For a Mexican Petunia
• Transplanting Perennials
• Growing Guides.com: Pink Mexican Petunias