How to Germinate Mexican Petunia Seeds

Germinate Mexican petunia seeds indoors to grow them outdoors once the threat of frost passes.

The Mexican petunia, also referred to as the Florida bluebell or desert petunia, grows flowers in shades of violet, pink, white or blue. The flowers bloom in the summer and fall and they only last for one day. The Mexican petunia grows well in USDA zones 7 to 9. The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall. You can germinate your own Mexican petunia seeds indoors to plant them outdoors after the threat of frost passes.

Things You'll Need

• Seed-starting tray
• Seed-starting potting mix
• Pencil
• Spray bottle
• Clear plastic bag

Instructions

1. Fill a seed-starting tray with a seed-starting potting mix. Leave ¼ inch at the top of the seed-starting cells. Use the end of a pencil to make a small indentation in the top of the soil.

2. Place three to four Mexican petunia seeds into each indentation. Do not cover the seeds with the soil.

3. Moisten the soil with water with a spray bottle. You want the soil to remain moist but do not make it soggy.

4. Place the seed-starting tray in a clear plastic bag. Seal the plastic bag, and poke holes in the top to allow for air circulation. Put the seeds in a warm location away from direct sunlight.

5. Check the soil to ensure that it remains moist. The seeds will germinate in three to five days, and then you will need to move them to a sunny location to allow them to sprout. Continue to water the seeds to keep the soil moist, and keep them in the plastic bag until they grow to 1 inch tall.

6. Remove the seedlings from the plastic bag. Transplant them outside once they grow 2 inches tall and the temperature stays above 50 degrees F.

References

• Online Gardener Tips: How to Grow Mexican Petunia
• Minnesota Water Garden Society: Plant Profile Views: Mexican Petunia Ruellia brittoniana
• Floridata: Ruellia brittoniana