by Avril Defleurey

Created on: May 25, 2010

Petunias origins were as a perennial bedding plant in the solanaceae species from South America, however, they are now considered to be hybrid annuals. Their various varieties make them suitable for not only ground coverage in flower beds but, hanging baskets, patio pots and window boxes. They have broad trumpet shaped flowers in a wide range of colours and have hairy sticky leaves and stems. They are slightly scented although the scent is more prominent during late evening and during the night. The Petunias name originates from their cousin the tobacco plant [Nicotiana] as ‘Petun’ is the French word for tobacco. Other relatives of Petunias (other members of the Solanaceae family) include - Chilli Peppers [Capsicum] and the Deadly Nightshade [Atropa Belladonna].  

Petunias are slow to grow from seed. Start the sowing about ten to twelve weeks before they are required for planting out. Seeds need plenty of light to germinate and degrees of preferably seventy to seventy five. Once the seedlings have three or four leaves they are ready to pinch back and plant out, but, only if there is no risk of a late frost as they require degrees of preferably fifty five to sixty five to thrive (Fahrenheit). Petunias do not like to be too wet or too dry, as they have shallow roots they will dry out or rot off easily. They will stop flowering if they are too hot, resuming once the temperature has gone down. However, they will not start to flower if the temperature is too cold. Prepared beds, pots, boxes and baskets should contain well drained soil and could benefit from a peat moss or rotted leaf compost. Tip: To revive a petunia in an emergency, simply cut back all the dead brown foliage and soak the plant in a mixture of water and plant food, then stand in full sun before moving to required area. This method is suitable for all varieties of Petunia.

Choosing which variety to use depends on the required location of the grown plant. For flower beds where there is room to grow plants with large blooms and of a height of up to twelve to fifteen inches, the Grandiflora variety is recommended. Grandiflora can produce flowers of up to four inches wide. For flower beds where more spreading ground coverage is required, Hedgiflora variety produce the wide flowers like the Grandiflora, but they only grow to the height of up to six inches so are highly recommended. However, when planting out Hedgiflora the use of mulch is required to stop the leaves touching the ground and rotting off or going mushy and slimy when wet. Multiflora variety Petunias produce blooms of up to two inches and can be used in the beds or in large pots, although the pots or beds will need to be in full sun with partial shade. Multiflora requires at least six to eight hours of sunlight each day but is more tolerant to and less damaged by rain. Milliflora variety are also tolerant to harsh weather and are more suitable for hanging baskets and window boxes as their flowers only grow up to one inch in diameter. Deadhead Petunias regularly to encourage continuous flowering through the summer and early autumn months.

Learn more about this author, Avril Defleurey.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.