Four species of petunias include hundreds of cultivars and offer a perfect addition to the home landscape:
Grandiflora petunias are the most common type of growing petunias. This species features 3- to 4-inch (7.5-10 cm.) blooms which often grow upright but may spill over the side of your container or window box. Multiflora petunias have smaller flowers and a more abundant bloom. Milliflora petunias are miniature versions of growing petunias; they are compact and reblooming. Spreading petunias are only 6 inches (15 cm.) tall and can rapidly cover a selected area to function as a blooming groundcover.
Care of Petunias
Care of petunias includes regular watering and as much sunlight as possible to promote multiple blooms. Spreading groundcover petunias are the pickiest about water; weekly waterings should be included in the care of petunias. While petunias will grow in a partially shaded location, a fuller and more abundant bloom is produced in the full sun. Soil prepared before planting petunias should have well-composted organic matter worked in. Care of petunias will include regular fertilization with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer designed for blooming plants. As they are heavy feeders, petunia care will also include weekly feedings. Proper light, water, and fertilization when caring for petunias will ensure a long season of beautiful blooms. Proper petunia care involves removing spent blooms and the seeds they may produce. When deadheading the growing petunias, remove the base of the flower to include seed removal. Petunias allowed to go to seed will slow or stop blooming.
Purchasing Petunia Plants
Hundreds of cultivars of petunias are available to the gardener for use in a range of garden designs. Double and single blooms offer a selection of solid and multi-colored flowers. When purchasing young petunias, choose plants with a compact form and unopened buds. Open blooms on the petunia are best removed after planting for a more abundant show in the future. Growing petunias is easy and rewarding. As you learn how to grow and plant petunias, you will never be at a loss for a beautiful bloom in a full sun area.
