Thursday, September 20, 2012

Petunia Flower's Plant Information And Photos

Petunia Flower's Plant

Petunias are the MVPs of the summer garden. They are technically perennials (in warm climates), but most of us treat them as hardworking annuals that bloom tirelessly from spring until the first frost.

Here is a quick guide to getting the most out of these colorful classics:

Popular Varieties
Not all petunias grow the same way. Choosing the right type depends on where you’re planting them:

Grandiflora: The classics. They have large, showy flowers but are a bit sensitive to rain and humidity.


Multiflora: Smaller flowers but many more of them. They are much hardier and stand up better to wind and rain.

Wave (Spreading): These are the "pro" choice for ground cover or hanging baskets. They grow fast and don't require "deadheading" (removing old blooms).

Calibrachoa (Million Bells): While technically a cousin, they look like miniature petunias and are perfect for tight trailing displays.

- Essential Care Tips -
To keep them from getting "leggy" or stopping their bloom, follow these three golden rules:

Sunlight: They are sun-worshippers. They need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Too much shade leads to fewer flowers and spindly stems.

Watering: Petunias in pots dry out fast. Check the soil daily; if the top inch is dry, give them a soak. Avoid wetting the leaves to prevent fungal issues.

Feeding: Because they produce so many flowers, they are "heavy feeders." Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks to keep the energy up.

Pro Tip: If your petunias start looking tired and "stretched out" in mid-July, don't be afraid to give them a "haircut." Prune the stems back by half. It feels mean, but they’ll bounce back twice as thick in two weeks.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue

Likely Cause

Solution

Sticky Leaves

Aphids

Spray with neem oil or soapy water.

Yellow Leaves

Overwatering or Lack of Nitrogen

Let soil dry out; add fertilizer.

No Blooms

Too much shade

Move to a sunnier spot.

Holes in Buds

Tobacco Budworm

Use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) spray.


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