Just in time for warmer weather! Today we feature a guest writer speaking to the beauty of decorating with petunias. Let’s welcome Ashley Lipman!
Petunias are often used an annuals flowers. This amazing flower grows three seasons of the year, pausing only for winter. The Petunia has more than 20 species in various sizes and colors.
Petunias are easily grown and cared for. This makes them a favorite among flower gardeners.
The Petunia Family
Petunias are very closely related to the tobacco family. This family includes tomatoes, chili peppers. They are easily grown and tolerate the sun well. While you can transplant your petunias, it is easy to plant this flower directly from seed. Buy petunia seeds from Seed Needs, and they will walk you through the various types and purposes.
Petunias are often used as edging or border flowers in flower beds. However, they are versatile, and some species grow very well in hanging baskets. This will add color and spring scents to any room. As long as the flowers have access to direct sunlight and they are kept hydrated, they will grow. Please note, petunias are a hardy plant and partial shade will not affect them. If your flowers seem to fade, move them to the sun temporarily, and they will thrive quite well.
Varieties
Petunias are divided into two groups. They are:
Grandiflora
The Grandiflora petunia has very large blooms. They can grow up to 5” across. They are susceptible to rain damage, so it is best to use this species for your hanging baskets or window boxes. The Grandiflora comes in a huge variety of colors. You will see them in pink, purple, red, white, and yellow They grow in single or double form. You will see the Grandiflora with ruffled or fringed edges.
Multiflora petunias
The Multiflora petunias are smaller blooms. However, what they lack in size is abundantly made up for in volume. These flowers grow thick and in endless colors. This petunia is often used as a border plant. The Multiflora petunias stand up well to rain, and they are tolerant of wet climates.
Favorite and unique petunia blooms
For wide ground coverage, look for the Carpet Series petunia. They come in a variety of colors.
For a beautiful purple bloom with dark veins, go for the Sugar Daddy Petunia. The Rose-Star Petunia is a rose-pink bloom with a white center. It resembles a stripped look.
Basic Petunia Care
Petunias are very easy to grow. Weekly watering is sufficient unless you are in a very dry area. Fertilizing once per month is acceptable. If you are planting double blooming petunias, you will fertilize biweekly.
Petunias will regenerate and continue to grow summer, spring, and fall. As flowers die, remove them to ensure regrowth and continual blooming. You will simply need to pinch off the dead bloom. That is all it takes. The new flowers will grow, and your plant will remain healthy.
As your petunias grow, you may have an issue with stem overgrowth, To combat this problem, cut back ½ of the stems about every 10-days. This will promote more blooms.
Summary
You can plant your petunia seeds at anytime as long as your threat of frost is over for the year. Germination takes 10-12 weeks. You can start them indoors and transplant if you are concerned about the weather.
Petunias are popular globally. Speak to your seed vendor for suggestions in your particular climate. There is no doubt a petunia mixture that is right for you. So, make the call and begin your planting now. In no time, spring will be alive and well in the rooms of your home.
Guest post by: Ashley Lipman
Ashley is a super-connector who helps businesses find their audience online through outreach, partnerships, and networking. She frequently writes about the latest advancements in digital marketing and focuses her efforts on developing customized blogger outreach plans depending on the industry and competition.
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