Growing Petunias from Seed – Petunia seeds are quite small, however elite strain seeds are sometimes provided in pellet form, making them simpler to handle. Petunia seeds, whether pelleted or uncoated, are sown by pressing them gently into damp seed-starting mix.
Then, sprinkle additional mixture until the seeds are just barely coated. The seeds typically germinate in seven days if kept warm and wet. Consider petunia seedlings to be little tomatoes or any other Solanaceae relative. Transfer them to larger containers as necessary, and be patient with the process of hardening.
After the latest frost date, place the plants in rich, well-drained soil or spacious containers. In July, revive waning plants by chopping them in half and soaking them with a liquid fertilizer rich in nitrogen.
How long does it take for a petunia to develop from a seed?
Starting seeds inside – Although petunias are simple to cultivate outside from transplanting, inexperienced gardeners may find it more difficult to grow them from seed. The benefits of beginning petunias inside include a greater selection of cultivars and the ability to cultivate huge quantities of plants for less money.
However, it takes petunias 10 to 12 weeks to reach planting size, so they must be started early (about March first in northern climates). This implies there is considerable possibility for issues to arise between sowing and harvesting! Even for expert gardeners, petunia seeds provide a problem due to their size.
Not only are they exceedingly little and delicate, but they also require light to germinate. Pelleted seeds are more manageable, but they are not always accessible. On top of a container of clean, moist potting soil or ground sphagnum moss, scatter seeds sparsely.
Before watering, wash them into the potting medium with a thin mist or press them in with your fingertips. Until the seeds sprout, cover the container with transparent plastic and store it in a bright, warm (70 to 85 degrees F) location away from direct sunlight. This often occurs seven to ten days after planting.
Remove the plastic after the seeds have emerged. Move the container to a light but cooler location, with daytime temperatures of 65 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures of 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the petunias four to six inches underneath a fluorescent light lamp until they are ready for outdoor planting.
You are not need to invest in pricey plant-growing lights. Typically, standard fluorescent bulbs will suffice. Utilize a timer to keep the lights on for 16 to 18 hours every day. Raise the lights as the seedlings develop, maintaining a 4- to 6-inch distance between the plants and the lights at all times.
When seedlings have three genuine leaves, it is appropriate to transfer them to individual peat pots or multi-plant packs. Every two weeks (every week for “spreaders”), provide them with diluted liquid fertilizer. Young plants can be hardened off by placing them outside on bright, warm days.
All About Petunias A definite Yes! Petunias are reasonably simple to cultivate from seed and very simple to cultivate from commercially developed seedlings. Use petunias wherever the sun shines. The low-growing varieties are perfect for the front of a flower border, planters near doors and swimming pools, and patios.
- Insert petunias amid evergreen plants to provide color to the region.
- Use the petunia ‘Wave’ as a groundcover.
- Many homeowners put petunias under landscape lights near a window or patio so that they may enjoy the flowers and their visitors at night.
- While all forms of petunias are suitable for window boxes and planters, double-flowered varieties are more suited for containers than beds.
Petunias that cascade are perfect for hanging baskets. Plant three seedlings per 10-inch basket, regardless of petunia kind. In a windowbox or planter, space seedlings approximately 10 inches apart.
How do you keep petunias bushy?
How Do I Make My Petunias Fuller? – Vigilance and care are required to prevent petunias from becoming lanky. First, make sure you keep your petunias wet. If your petunias are in a smaller pot or basket, they may require daily watering. Check their moisture level each morning and provide them with a refreshing sip of water.
If your petunias are planted in the soil, they may require watering every three to five days. We all know that petunias grow most abundantly when spent blooms are frequently removed. However, removing the petals is insufficient. To prevent petunias from becoming lanky, you must also remove the seed. The seed pod resembles a green (or brown, if ripe) chocolate chip nestled at the foot of what seems to be five thin, star-shaped green leaves.
Cut or pluck the blossom underneath this part. Have you ever wondered, “How can I increase the size of my petunias?” Petunias must be pruned regularly by one-fourth to one-half of their branch length to avoid becoming lanky. This may be difficult to accomplish, since your petunia plant may be in full flower at the time.
All the branches can be pruned at once. In a few weeks, your petunia plant will develop into a full, compact flowering plant. You may also prune (by one-fourth to one-half) a small number of branches uniformly distributed throughout the plant. These branches will regenerate and rebloom in two weeks, after which you can prune the remaining branches.
Maintain this cycle throughout the season, and you’ll be rewarded with a lush appearance and an abundance of beautiful petunia blooms. This article was most recently updated on 04/24/14
