Petunia

Petunias are a widely cultivated flowering plant that belong to the Solanaceae family, which includes other popular plants like tomatoes and potatoes. Known for its vibrant and abundant blooms, Petunia is a favorite choice for adding color and charm to gardens, containers, hanging baskets, and borders.

How to Grow Petunias

Petunias are relatively easy to grow, and with the proper care, they can produce abundant blooms throughout the growing season. Here are some important factors to consider when growing Petunias:

1. Light: Petunias thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. They can tolerate some partial shade, especially in hot climates, but prolonged shade may result in fewer blooms and leggy growth.
2. Temperature: Petunias are warm-weather plants and prefer temperatures between 60°F and 70°F (15°C to 21°C). They can tolerate higher temperatures but may require more frequent watering in hot weather. It’s important to note that some varieties are more heat-tolerant than others, so selecting the appropriate variety for your region is crucial.
3. Soil: Petunias prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should retain moisture while allowing excess water to drain to prevent root rot. Amending the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting can improve its fertility and drainage.
4. Watering: Petunias require regular watering to moisten the soil but not waterlogged. Avoid overhead watering, as wet foliage can lead to fungal diseases. Water at the base of the plant in the morning or early evening to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry before nightfall.
5. Fertilization: Petunias are heavy feeders and benefit from regular fertilization throughout the growing season. Incorporate a balanced slow-release fertilizer into the soil at planting time and supplement with a water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks or as the manufacturer recommends. This helps promote vigorous growth and continuous blooming.

Size and Shape of Petunias

Petunias come in various sizes, ranging from compact varieties that reach heights of 6 to 12 inches to more trailing or cascading forms that can spread up to 3 feet. The growth habit of Petunias can be categorized as either upright or trailing, with some varieties falling in between. The plants have a bushy and branching structure that fills out beautifully when properly cared for.

Leaves and Flowers

Petunia leaves are typically oval or lance-shaped and have a somewhat sticky or hairy texture. They are arranged alternately along the stems and can range in color from deep green to variegated or even purplish tones. The leaves add visual interest to the plant even when not blooming.

The true attraction of Petunias lies in their profusion of colorful and trumpet-shaped flowers. These blooms come in various colors, including white, pink, purple, red, yellow, and blue. The flowers can be solid in color or showcase intricate patterns, stripes, or contrasting edges. In addition, they are known for their delicate fragrance.

Common Issues and Prevention

Petunias are not as susceptible as other plants to pests such as Aphids, Spider Mites and Thrip. However, it is wise to regularly inspect plants and use organic pesticides including insecticidal soap for Aphids, neem oil for Mites, and Spinosad for Thrip to control infestations. Encouraging natural predators like ladybugs can also help keep these pests in check.

Botrytis blight, or gray mold, causes fuzzy grayish-brown spots on flowers and leaves. Improve air circulation, space plants adequately, and remove any infected plant material. Particularly look underneath your plant when removing affected areas. Fungicidal treatments can be used as a preventive measure.

In the South Carolina upstate, around late May early June, you may notice that your Petunia flower petals have holes in them. This is caused by bud worms. Butterflies and moths have free roaming capability in the late spring/early summer and they can and will lay eggs on your Petunia. Those hatched eggs result in small worms that cannot be generally seen by the naked eye (at least not when you are 50 yrs or older) but you will see the damage. Small holes in the petals of your flowers are your first sign. Your solution is a simple spray with BT (Bacillus Thuringensis), an organic pesticide, and within a week, your Petunia will be floriferous once again.

Our Selection Of Petunias

At Martin Garden Center, we have an entire section devoted to petunias and we generally have 24+ varieties of 4″ petunias at any given time such as:

• The ever-popular Proven Winner supertunias come at a higher price than other Petunias but, at Martin Garden Center, we believe they are worth it. We are growing around 3000 Proven Winner Supertunias, about 15 different varieties, in 4″ containers and they sell quickly in the early spring.
• We love, luv, lurv, the supertunia bubble gum, supertunia fuscia, and supertunia silverberry. We tolerate the others … just kidding. The three aforementioned have great compact growth habits, tolerate hot and cold well, and are very floriferous.
• We also grow other petunia varieties that are highly popular including wave varieties, Capella series, funhouse varieties, amore varieties, cascadia varieties, ray varieties, headliner varieties, and crazytunias (including the black mamba) to name a few. We also grow 10 varieties of petunia hanging baskets of all colors, as well as mixed baskets of petunias.
• In our bedding section, we will carry flats of various types of petunias (and these require deadheading, my friends, so be prepared).

Do Deer Eat Petunias?

Deer are known to avoid eating petunias in most cases. Petunias are often considered deer-resistant plants due to their bitter taste and intense aroma. However, individual deer feeding behavior can vary, and in times of extreme food scarcity, deer may nibble on plants they would normally avoid. Taking precautions such as using deer repellents or installing fencing can further help protect petunias from potential deer browsing.

Why Are My Petunias Wilting?

Wilting petunias can be a sign of several potential issues. Here are some common reasons why your petunias might be wilting:

• Underwatering: Petunias require regular watering, especially during hot weather. If the soil becomes too dry, the plants will wilt. Ensure you’re watering your petunias deeply and consistently, allowing the soil to stay evenly moist but not waterlogged.
• Overwatering: Conversely, overwatering can also lead to wilting. If the soil is waterlogged and lacks proper drainage, it can suffocate the roots, causing them to rot and the plant to wilt. Make sure your petunias are planted in well-draining soil and avoid excessive watering.
• Root problems: Issues with the roots, such as root rot or root damage, can prevent the plant from taking up water properly, leading to wilting. Check the roots for signs of rot or damage and ensure they have enough space to grow.
• Nutrient deficiencies: Petunias require adequate nutrients to thrive. A lack of essential nutrients, particularly nitrogen, can cause wilting and poor growth. Consider fertilizing your petunias with a balanced fertilizer to give them the necessary nutrients.
• Heat stress: Petunias can wilt in extreme heat, especially if they’re not receiving enough water to compensate for the increased evaporation. Provide shade during the hottest parts of the day and water your petunias more frequently during heatwaves.
• Pest infestations: Pests such as aphids, spider mites, or caterpillars can damage the foliage and stems of petunias, causing them to wilt. Inspect your plants for signs of pests and treat them promptly if necessary.
• Disease: Fungal diseases such as Botrytis blight or Fusarium wilt can infect petunias and cause the leaves’ wilting, yellowing, or browning. Remove affected plant parts and treat the plants with fungicides if the problem persists.

Do Petunias Have A Scent?

While some varieties of petunias do have a fragrance, not all of them do. Traditional garden petunias, such as those with large, ruffled flowers, often have a pleasant, sweet fragrance, especially in the evening. However, many modern hybrid petunias have been bred primarily for their appearance and may not have a noticeable scent. When selecting your plants, if fragrance is important to you, look for specific cultivars labeled as “scented” or “fragrant” petunias.

Do Slugs Eat Petunias?

Yes, slugs are known to eat petunias. These pests can cause damage to petunias by chewing holes in the leaves and flowers, which can affect the plant’s overall health and appearance. Slugs are particularly active at night and during damp conditions, making them a common nuisance in gardens where petunias are grown.

To protect your petunias from slug damage, you can take several preventive measures:

• Remove hiding places: Slugs often hide in dark, damp areas during the day. Reduce potential hiding spots by cleaning up garden debris, mulch, and leaf litter around your petunias.
• Handpick: Go out at night with a flashlight and handpick slugs from your petunias. This method can be effective for controlling slug populations in smaller garden areas.
• Apply slug repellents: Various slug repellents are available, including natural and chemical options. Some gardeners use substances like coffee grounds, crushed eggshells, or slug-specific repellent products to discourage slugs from feeding on their plants.
• Encourage natural predators: Some predators, such as certain birds, frogs, toads, and ground beetles, feed on slugs. Encourage these beneficial creatures to inhabit your garden by providing suitable habitats and minimizing pesticide use.