Petunia Seeds 7g

The petunia (Petunia × hybrida) is a much-loved annual ornamental grown purely for its colour: masses of velvety, trumpet-shaped flowers that appear in an endless flush across the whole plant. Unlike many bedding flowers, it never sets a harvest — its value is non-stop bloom, making it a favourite for beds, borders, window boxes and hanging baskets.

Planting

Do not direct-sow. Start seed in trays indoors 4-6 weeks before planting out for small plug cells, or 6-8 weeks for larger cells. Scatter seed on the surface and do not cover it — petunia needs light to germinate; at most a very thin dusting of vermiculite. Germination takes about 6-10 days at 22-25°C, then grow on cooler at roughly 16-24°C. In Egypt, sow in trays from September and transplant out in October-November for winter-spring colour. Prick out once the first true leaves form, and space grandiflora types about 30 cm apart, milliflora 10-15 cm, and trailing types at least 45 cm. Give full sun, at least 5-6 hours daily.

Fertilizing

Petunias are heavy feeders. At planting, work a balanced granular fertilizer (10-10-10 or 12-12-12) into the soil at about 1 kg per 9-10 m². Then apply a liquid flowering-plant feed every 2-3 weeks, every 2 weeks for containers and weekly for spreading types. A controlled-release product at planting is a good alternative, otherwise feed roughly monthly.

Care

Water deeply once a week for in-ground plants, soaking to 15-20 cm; avoid frequent shallow watering. Containers and trailing types may need water daily. Watch for aphids, spider mites, whiteflies and caterpillars — treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Keep foliage dry to avoid Botrytis and petal blight, and deadhead spent flowers to keep the display going.