They look very nice. And how fragrant it begins to smell in the evening! But few people know that such a miracle can be grown not only on the street, but also at home as houseplant. Would you like to decorate your balcony or windows with this beautiful flower? Then our tips will come in handy.
How to grow a petunia in a pot?
Petunia is annual plant, in order for it to please you annually, you will have to work a little. First you need to grow seedlings, and only after that you can plant petunias in pots.
We grow seedlings
The best time to start is in February. There will be just the right temperature and lighting, and there will be enough time for the plant to grow.
- Sprinkle petunia seeds on even, moistened ground and sprinkle them a little from a spray bottle or a special small watering can. They do not need to be covered with earth, it will be enough just to put a light plank on them, thus providing them with better contact with the ground.
- Seeds need warmth optimum temperature– 22-26°C. Cover your "bed" with a film and put it in the sun near the battery. By the way, experienced growers advise to replace the film nonwoven fabric, believing that this creates a more favorable atmosphere for plants. What to choose - decide for yourself.
- When the seedlings begin to grow, you can remove their "blanket". Now you need to ensure that the temperature in the room is not higher than 20 ° C.
- After you notice the first true leaves that have appeared, you can separate and transplant the flowers into disposable cups. Some skip this step, and some immediately plant the seeds in disposable tableware. Why is this needed? If you plant sprouts in transparent plastic cups, then it will be easier to understand the moment when it will be time to plant petunias in pots. When you see that the earth is all dug up by roots, know that the time has come.
Now a few words about watering. Drying out or excessive moisture of the soil should not be allowed - this can lead to the fact that your pets get very sick or simply die.
How to plant a petunia in a pot?
The key to success in this business is the right pot. What pot is needed for a petunia? For different sort and the type of flowers, pots of different sizes are needed.
- the volume of the pot for bush and terry petunias is selected at the rate of 3 liters of soil per flower. You should not fit 4 plants in a 10-liter container, they will be cramped;
- for ampelous and cascading petunias, 5 liters of land are required for one flower;
- some of the most powerful cascading varieties (Typhoon and Tornado) require 15 liters of land per plant.
The whole end result depends on which pots and how much you will plant your petunia. It is not worth the risk and placing still small sprouts in a small container, they will grow and become crowded. Flowers will have to devote all their strength not to flowering and growth, but to the struggle for a place in the sun.
A little about the care of petunias
Growing petunias in pots requires little maintenance.
And again a little about watering
- If the flowers are located where the rain cannot get, then in hot weather the flowers need to be watered every day.
- If the flowers are in open space, then in a rainy summer you need to cover them from the rain, because. excess moisture leads to the death of the flower. Also don't forget about drainage holes that should be in every pot.
If you follow these simple rules, then you will have beautiful flower who will delight you with his blooming view all summer and autumn.
Petunia was popular before - even our grandmothers loved to decorate their flower beds with these modest delicate flowers, and could they then imagine how amazing and diverse the petunia would become, the photo of which is now simply amazing! The old capricious varieties, whose attractiveness was lost after strong gusts of wind and rainy weather, were replaced by modern, more unpretentious varieties petunias of the most unusual colors and various shapes.
Varieties and the best varieties of petunias
Bred in last decade hybrids and varieties of petunias differ in long and abundant flowering, retain their decorative effect much longer, regardless of bad weather and moisture on the petals. And if earlier this flower was cultivated with us mainly as an annual plant (although by its nature the petunia is perennial, the problem is only in the climate), now some flower growers manage to grow petunia for more than one year. The indoor petunia lives especially long, from which every year you can take cuttings for planting on the street in flower beds and planters.
Petunia hybrids and varieties bred in the last decade are characterized by long and abundant flowering, retain their decorative effect much longer, regardless of bad weather and moisture on the petals
Do not be afraid that the new bred varieties of petunias, the photos of which are presented in the tab, will not pass the test of time. In fact, those hybrids in last years appear on the shelves of flower shops, have been successfully grown in European countries for several years. So, decide what kind of petunias, what shapes and colors you would like to see on your site, choose the newest or proven best varieties of petunias and feel free to start growing them!
Video about the varieties and the best varieties of petunias
colorful clouds in hanging planters, flower garlands wrapping around terraces and gazebos, luxuriantly flowering bushes and small flowers growing along the paths - all this is a hybrid petunia, the numerous varieties of which are usually divided into several groups.
Bush
This group is very extensive, it includes both the most compact varieties of the multi-flowered subgroup Multiflora with flowers up to four centimeters in diameter, and fairly tall plants of the Grandiflora subgroup with huge flowers (for example, the Triumph variety has inflorescences 16 cm in diameter). Petunia is a perennial bush group that forms lush hats of flowers, and is great for decorating borders, borders or flower beds. Compact varieties look good in containers.
Among the most famous varieties and hybrids of this group: a series of hybrids Fantasia, undersized Dream series of different colors, early blooming compact variety Ultra, a series of nine Titan hybrids, one of the earliest flowering Polaris series, Storm hybrids with increased resistance to bad weather, a Hit Parade series, represented by an almost complete range of colors.
Petunia Triumph dark pink
Bush petunias form themselves, but you can adjust them if you wish. appearance, cutting off the crown of the plant above the third internode, then new shoots form from the axils of the leaves, and the bushes become more magnificent.
floribunda
The group includes varieties with many fairly large flowers that differ highly resistant to unfavorable weather conditions. In fact, the Floribunda group is a cross between Grandiflora and Multiflora petunias. This group looks most impressive in mass plantings.
The best variety is Sonya Orchid with flowers decorated with contrasting veins. The variety series Sonya includes 11 hybrids various colors blue-violet to crimson-pink with a white star. Another popular variety series - Celebrity, represented by thirteen hybrids, is famous for its increased resistance to rain and heat.
petunia floribunda
Cascading
It is the cascading petunia that is the best suited for decorating terraces, balconies, loggias and arbors, as it is able to grow long shoots that diverge to the sides and up. As a result, dense thickets are formed, picturesquely strewn with flowers.
Bright representatives of cascading petunias are varieties Silver, Cherry, Rose, Ramblin and Typhoon, which even in the Russian climate grow one and a half meter lashes.
Ampel
If the cascading petunia can direct its shoots up and to the sides, then ampel varieties form falling shoots, which in appearance resemble flower curtains. Ampelous petunias look best in hanging planters, but you can also plant them in a flower bed, and then the flowering shoots will beautifully spread along the ground.
Of the widely known petunia Surfinia, which is valued by flower growers for its rich selection of rich colors, early flowering, fast growth and resistance to adverse weather conditions. In addition to Surfinia, such popular varieties as Lilac Surf, Waterfall, Pearl Surf, Wave of Luck deserve attention.
Petunia Ampelnaya
Calibrachoa
Because of different quantity chromosomes and some morphological differences, Calibrachoa plants were isolated in a separate genus, but many still consider them a variety of petunias. Calibrachoa looks like a petunia, only the stem is woody at the base, the shoots are very long - up to two meters, the leaves are small, and the flowers are simple, about three centimeters in diameter.
New varieties of Calibrachoa are gaining popularity among domestic flower growers - Superbells and Million Bells, which bloom profusely with semi-drooping shoots.
The newest varieties of hybrid petunia
Breeders do not stop working on the creation of ever new varieties and hybrids of petunias, improving the properties of this plant and achieving ever new amazing flower colors. New flowers with a traditional basic color are decorated with dark veins, white rims along the edge of the petals, rays emanating from the center. And to the usual pink, white and purple hues, yellow tones were added - from delicate, creamy to lemon-purple, changing depending on the weather. There were even black flowers with a yellow star in the center. See how exquisitely such a velvety black petunia looks (photo is presented in the tab).
Video about varieties of petunias and care for her
Here are a few modern varieties of petunia that deserve special attention:
- breeders have bred an improved Fantasy series - Picobella petunia, semi-ampel, with very abundant flowering and miniature flowers, among the pluses there is also high cold resistance;
- the new variety series Duve has its own peculiarity: even large flowers on the plant remain open and do not fold due to the increased strength of the petals;
- a series of semi-ampel petunias Plush is good because the flowers bloom even in low light conditions, although the choice of flower colors is still small;
- ideal for decorating flower beds, borders and decorating balconies, the compact Limbo petunia, which is represented not only by traditional shades (red, blue, white, salmon), but also by the new burgundy color;
- Gioconda petunia looks unusually impressive due to the huge number of flowers on powerful branching shoots - it is good to grow it in open field, and in hanging baskets, from where long shoots fall in cascades.
Petunia Picobella
There are others on the market, no less interesting varieties petunias, which have long earned the recognition of flower growers, as well as completely new hybrids. Do not be afraid to experiment, but try to buy seeds from reliable sellers.
Summer is the most beautiful time of the year, when nature, showing a variety of colors, gives an unforgettable pleasure. Contemplating this picture, many have a desire to make the territory adjacent to the house, balcony or cottage no less beautiful. Often this problem is solved quite simply - they plant the flowers they like so that both close people and ordinary passers-by can admire them. And a good idea to decorate the chosen place is to plant an ampelous petunia.
This plant is characterized by long shoots, covered with large bright flowers. Therefore, it can be grown both on the balcony and in a box or around garden path. Thanks to this plant, it will be quite easy for you to maintain a colorful and summery atmosphere in your space.
Petunia ampelous and cascading - what's the difference?
Petunia specialists are known for their whimsicalness. And this is not surprising, given that its natural habitat is humid and hot climate. But thanks to the efforts of breeders, today every novice florist and not only hybrids are available that are easy to grow and care for and at the same time can bring pleasure to their appearance throughout the summer season.
Although it is customary to distinguish ampelous and cascading petunias, in reality they have no differences. After all, this is the same plant, which just has different names.
The best varieties of ampelous petunias
The assortment of flower shops today offers a wide variety of varieties. ampelous petunias. This simplifies the task for the grower, as he can choose the variety that suits him. The most sought after today are the following varieties of petunias:
When choosing terry varieties of petunias for growing on the site, you need to be prepared for the fact that they needs careful maintenance. In order for the flowers of this plant to bestow their beauty, you will have to make a lot of effort. Due to the difficulties that arise in their cultivation, they are most often planted in closed places.
Planting and caring for ampelous petunias at home
It is difficult to find such a grower who would be indifferent to petunias. To date, it is customary to distinguish two types of this plant: bush and ampelous. And each of them has expressiveness and attractiveness. Bush petunias have become widespread as garden plants, and ampelous ones are mainly grown at home, where they decorate balconies and verandas. However, regardless of the chosen variety of petunia in without fail appropriate care will be required.
Growing seedlings from seeds
Due to the meager baggage of knowledge, novice flower growers pay attention to every little thing. They may be interested in known methods of combating diseases, as well as the question of how many pieces to plant in a planter. However, first of all, they must get an answer to the question of how to grow plants from seeds.
If possible, provide artificial lighting seedlings can be sown petunia seeds as early as February. Otherwise, you need to wait until mid-March, because at this time the daylight hours will become longer, which will provide the petunia with the necessary amount of light. The soil used for sowing should have a loose, nutritious and light structure. To prepare planting soil that meets the above requirements, the following components are required:
- two parts of peat;
- two parts of sod and sheet soil;
- two parts of humus;
- one part sand.
Upper layer soil should be as light as possible, so it is advisable to sift it. The day before sowing, the soil must be watered. Then you need to add a little dry sand to the seeds, after which this mixture is placed on the prepared soil. It is possible to accelerate the germination of seeds if the container with the crops is covered with a film or glass and transferred to a room where the temperature will be maintained at 21-22 degrees.
The appearance of the first shoots should be expected after a week. From this point on, the seedlings need to be carefully cared for. To do this, seedlings are watered twice a day, spraying room water. Also need to ventilate. It is difficult to grow strong and healthy seedlings without maintaining optimal air humidity. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure that condensate does not occur, since if it is present, the likelihood of damage to seedlings increases. various diseases. After waiting for the formation of the first leaves in the seedlings, the film can be removed.
Watering and fertilizing
Petunia presents enough high requirements to cultivation, so beginner gardeners may experience certain difficulties. The plant will be able to demonstrate its decorative properties to the full extent only if nutritional supplements are carried out. Equally important is watering for petunias, which must be done every day.
If the seedlings will not receive required amount moisture, then this will lead to the development of diseases, which can be determined by various characteristics. For example, its leaves become sticky. In order for the plant to be provided with all the necessary nutrients, it is recommended to feed special formulations to be applied to the soil with each watering. The greatest effect of top dressing is achieved by following the scheme:
- the first seven days - watering with water and humates;
- the next seven days - watering with water and potassium sulfate.
Planting flowers in open ground
When the seedlings grown in pots are strong enough, you can choose a place for planting in open ground. However, for this event to occur without complications, it is necessary consider the following recommendations:
- it is advisable to transplant in the evening in cloudy weather;
- it is recommended to transfer the seedlings to the prepared place together with the soil from the pots;
- prepared holes for seedlings should be at least 10 x 10 cm;
- it is also important to correctly determine the distance between seedlings, focusing on their size. If a variety is transplanted with large flowers, then the plants are located no closer than 24 cm from each other. For plants with small flowers, it is sufficient to keep an interval of 19 cm. In relation to the ampelous petunia bushes, it is necessary to maintain a distance of approximately 29 cm;
- when the transplant is completed, it is necessary to take measures to accelerate rooting. To do this, the soil is mulched with peat or humus. In this way, plants will be protected from low temperatures, which will also help maintain optimal humidity levels;
- upon completion of all transplant operations, the flower must be watered.
How to form an ampelous petunia?
As a rule, by mid-July, the shoots grow too large, requiring prompt removal. Moreover, this also happens if the petunias provide minimal care. Under such conditions, there exposure of the lower part of the shoots, at the same time new buds and leaves are formed at the tops. As a result, the flower becomes unattractive, growth stunting occurs, because it does not receive the necessary nutrients.
You can maintain a healthy and attractive petunia if you pinch the shoots in a timely manner. The essence of this procedure is to remove the shoot by 2/3 of the length. This operation is the meaning of the formation of an ampelous petunia. If carried out in a timely manner, it is possible to ensure an attractive appearance of the flower throughout the entire growing season.
How to collect seeds?
Experienced flower growers know that petunias are enough to prolong the flowering period. promptly cut withered flowers . However, they are the seed suppliers. At the first signs of flowering, you need to start observing the lower flowers and choose the most suitable ones from them. You can use buds that have withered and managed to fully ripen. This ensures that they contain quality seeds. It usually takes 2.5 months for seeds to mature.
It is possible to obtain the required number of seeds and proper quality only if a suitable variety was initially selected. In this regard, not quite suitable choice there will be a terry petunia, which, when propagated, does not transmit maternal properties to offspring. Therefore, even experienced flower growers cannot guarantee that when creating necessary conditions for plants after sowing harvested seeds of them will increase new flower of the same sort. In some cases, a surprise is possible - flowers can often grow from sown seeds that have excellent sizes, shapes and shades.
Conclusion
Petunia is pretty unique plant, because for all its beautiful decorative properties growing this plant in the absence of the necessary knowledge is quite difficult. Therefore, for beginner gardeners, this can be a serious problem, especially if they plan plant it in open ground.
However, if you use the accumulated experience of gardeners, you can successfully grow this in our latitudes. capricious plant. You can increase the chances of success if the petunia is grown by seedlings. Then at the disposal of the grower there will be strong and hardened seedlings, which, with appropriate care during the planting period, will feel quite comfortable in the prepared flower bed.
Petunia (petunia) - the plant belongs to the family of nightshade crops. This flower was first seen in South America, Brazil, Argentina. In nature, it is a perennial crop; flower growers grow it as an annual. Petunias need warmth moderate watering, light nutrient soil and bright sunlight, this must be taken into account when growing a flower.
Plant features and popular species
The plant has hanging flexible stems, small green leaves. The flowers are funnel shaped. Their size and color depends on the variety, they come in different shades, plain or variegated, simple terry and semi-double. The fruit is a box. Scientists have developed many varieties of petunias. Possible colors:
- Red;
- pink;
- Bordeaux;
- lilac;
- purple;
- yellow;
- peach.
There may be various combinations of these colors.
Most varieties are hybrids. The ampelous petunia has a strong root system, this species is planted in containers, pots, boxes and hanging planters. Ampelous petunia is decorated with:
Ampel varieties can be placed in flower beds, in which case they will form a continuous carpet. Compositions of plants of different colors will decorate any area, they are used both in garden and urban gardening.
Popular ampel varieties:
Varieties of petunia varieties
Planting and growing
Many beginner flower growers do not know how many pieces to plant in a pot. The root system of the ampelous petunia is powerful, so that the flower develops well, one sprout is planted in one pot. A suitable pot size for one plant is 6-10 liters.
You can buy flower pots in flower shop. Usually the pot has a diameter of 20 cm and three shoots are planted in it. It is better to plant plants in separate, spacious pots so that they can bloom and develop independently without interfering with each other.
Seeds can be bought at the store or prepared independently.
Growing a petunia on your own is easy:
In the open field, petunias are suitable sunny place draft-proof. Transplantation is carried out in the evening, while it is better to keep a clod of earth at the roots. It is necessary to observe the distance between the bushes (25-30 cm). Under the bush you need to pour a layer of mulch from peat or humus to root the plant, protect the adverse conditions of pests and retain moisture at the roots. After transplanting, the plant is watered abundantly.
Petunia can be propagated by cuttings, separating it from an adult plant, rooting it in the ground, and then transplanting it to permanent place.
Like many nightshades, green parts of the plant are poisonous. After work, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
flower care
IN summer time you need to loosen the soil around the bush and water the plants in a timely manner at least 1 time per day. To make the bushes look attractive, they prune overgrown shoots, for this you need remove 2/3 of the length. In order for flowering to be plentiful and last all season, it is necessary to remove faded buds and dried stems.
For feeding petunias, you can use complex fertilizers for flowering plants . Top dressing should be carried out once every two weeks, 5 grams of fertilizer per 10 liters of water. First you need to water the flower, and later fertilize, it is better to use liquid solutions.
Diseases and pests
At improper fit and leaving the plant can get sick. In this case, problems can arise both with seedlings and with adult plants.
Late blight, chlorosis, gray rot, aphids, spider mite, slugs- the main diseases and pests of petunias. If the plant began to wither, it is necessary to carry out processing by special means, which can be purchased at a flower shop. It is important to follow the dosage correctly so as not to harm the plant.
Planting and caring for a petunia is not difficult, but still, some rules must be observed:
Petunia in landscape design
Planting petunias in pots - great option design country landscape. bright colors hanging planters decorate the entrance area, patio, pergola, awnings, verandas and other garden buildings. They are placed on recreation areas, terraces. Even easy fit petunias in even rows along the garden path, perfectly decorate it.
You can equip a flower bed against the backdrop of a lawn, break an alpine slide and decorate stones with a cascade of flowers. The presence of petunias in flower arrangements makes them really attractive. Various shades of the flower will decorate others landscape compositions: mixborders, rockeries. The lawn looks original, on which flowerpots with beautiful garlands hanging down to the ground are placed.
Two options for creating mini-flower beds in the garden:
- Petunia and lobelia. Prepared pot (large volume, preferably rectangular shape) half fill with soil, place two bushes of petunias in it. Next, cover with earth almost to the top. Plant an ampelous lobelia between the petunia bushes, which has a very superficial root system. It will not interfere with the growth of petunias.
- Flyers basket. Take a voluminous basket, cover the bottom with dense polyethylene. Make small holes in it for the outflow of water. Fill the basket with soil. On the one hand, plant a petunia bush, on the other hand, beautiful letniki (pelargonium, ageratum, verbena, calendula, marigolds). Petunia looks beautiful with white fragrant alyssum, which is best prepared by seedlings. In a composition with a petunia, it is enough to place 2-3 alissums.
Petunias are a wonderful decoration garden plot. This flower will be a bright accent in any landscape design.
A variety of varieties of this beautiful and delicate flower hard to put into words. Miniature and large, terry, small-flowered, large-flowered, floribunda, ampelous and surfinia - the first difficulty a grower faces is the need to choose a seed variety. After all, you still need to decide on the color of the future decoration of the garden or balcony.
The colors of the long-flowering petunia are similar to the result of the artist's fantasies. They are pure white or streaked, lemon, lilac, all shades of pink, scarlet and burgundy, with spots, stars and stripes. Correct fit and care for petunia, the photo of which is presented below, depends on the place of its cultivation: in a pot on the balcony and on the street or in open flower beds.
Peculiarities
Note characteristics in the care of this summer flower, which should be considered when planting it. In general, it is not difficult to care for a petunia, we will try to reveal the rules of care in more detail.
Petunia is a heat-loving and light-loving flower, therefore it grows well only in lighted places. Small-flowered varieties are better adapted to cool, damp weather, and large-flowered varieties cease to bloom in such conditions.
Grows on any fertile soil, but it develops better on loamy and sandy loamy, not acidic soils Oh. Liming of acidic soils has a positive effect on its growth, and moderate use organic fertilizers. Fresh manure is undesirable, as it leads to fungal diseases. Complex fertilizer is applied in the spring when digging the soil.
It tolerates short-term drought well, but prefers moist soil. It does not like stagnant water, so when grown in pots, planters or flowerpots, it needs drainage.
When choosing a variety, you need to consider the future location of the flower. When grown on a balcony or on a window in a flower pot, ampelous varieties are most often chosen, and upright varieties for flowerbeds and discounts.
Planting and growing seedlings
Petunia propagates mainly by seeds (less often by rooting cuttings). For planting, they take the number of seeds with a margin, since their sowing in early spring in low light or other adverse conditions does not guarantee 100% germination. Terry varieties sometimes give germination less than 50%. If there is no additional lighting for seedlings at home, then the seeds are sown in the second half of March. With special lamps, seeds can be sown in February.
The soil for seeds should be light in texture and contain sufficient nutrients. It is advisable to sift the top layer of 1 cm to obtain a uniform consistency. Moisten the soil the day before sowing. Small seeds mixed with sand are scattered on the already wet ground, sprayed with water from a spray bottle, covered with glass (if it is not available, you can use transparent film, in extreme cases - a newspaper).
In the absence of special mini-greenhouses for seedlings, good option containers will become plastic containers with a transparent lid. Dried seeds, coated with nutrients and a growth stimulator, are laid out on the ground one by one. Alternatively, seeds can be planted in peat tablets by placing them in a container with a lid. Condensation that appears on the lid, glass or film must be wiped off in a timely manner. All this can be seen in the photo on planting and caring for petunias.
After about a week, maximum two, the first sprouts appear, tiny and very fragile, so they need to be given Special attention and follow some rules to properly care for shoots:
- twice a day, the container should be turned on different sides to the light;
- spraying should be carried out only from a spray bottle, make sure that the soil is moist, but without moisture stagnation;
- daily airing for 5-6 minutes, lifting the glass or film, and when the first leaf appears on the seedlings, you can remove the shelter from them;
- when a second true leaf appears, the sprout is dived into a separate container (cups, containers, jars).
To a permanent location located on outdoors, plants are planted from May, after the onset of a stable positive temperature (the exact dates depend on the region). If the sprouts have become cramped in the container, and the planting date has not yet come, a second dive into a larger container is carried out. They bloom 70-80 days after germination, so they usually plant a bush with buds or flowers in a permanent place.
To avoid the difficulties of adapting to outdoor night cold snaps, young flowers are gradually hardened. Seedlings are expected at temperatures up to +25 ° C, the sprouts that appear feel good at a temperature of +20 ° C, and after picking, the temperature should be reduced to + 16 + 18 ° C.
Planting and caring for petunia flowers at home
It is not necessary to have a garden or a flower bed to grow a beautiful petunia. A flowering plant grows well in flowerpots, and looks most advantageous in hanging planters on a balcony or window. The limited volume of the container leads to the fact that the care of petunia in pots requires more close attention of the grower than when grown in open ground.
Transplant seedlings into flowerpots or containers for keeping outside the window or on open balconies after mid-May, when there are no more night frosts. If the balcony is closed for the night or it can be closed in case of a cold snap, then the seedlings are planted in permanent pots at the end of April. The planting density for plants in a limited container is 70 bushes per 1 m2. Most suitable varieties petunias for growing in hanging form - ampelous, that is, creeping, growing in length.
From a temporary container, seedlings are transplanted in the evening or cloudy weather into already wet ground, watered, the surface is mulched with peat. Mulch keeps moisture from evaporating and protects the soil from frost.
The composition of loose and moisture-intensive soil should include: humus, sand, soddy or leafy soil, peat. Perlite and hydrogel are added to lighten the earth, and lime is added to reduce acidity. Before filling the pots with soil, a 5 cm drainage layer is laid on the bottom: expanded clay, gravel, etc.
To grow good petunia in pots, it is important to observe the correct watering regimen. Plants in hanging pots require frequent watering under the root, especially on hot dry days - up to three times a day. During heavy and prolonged rains, containers with flowers should be brought under a canopy or on a balcony, as water harms delicate petals. Shelter may also be required in strong winds, so it is better to immediately place planters and hanging flowerpots in places protected from the wind.
Tip: Water the petunia in the evenings or on cloudy days so that the sun cannot burn the wet flower petals or leaves.
For better flowering, plants should be fed once every 10-14 days with organic or complex fertilizers with a high content of potassium, and if growth and development are slowed down, with stimulating solutions (Zircon or Epin). To maintain decorativeness, wilted flowers are removed in a timely manner.
Growing petunias outdoors
long and lush bloom and the brightness of colors contribute to the fact that petunias are often planted in flower beds, on alpine slides, in front gardens, decorate them with borders, while combining them with other colors. Planting and care in the open field is somewhat different from keeping flowers at home.
Seedlings are planted in a permanent place in the second half of May, when night cooling is no longer expected. The distance between large-flowered bushes is maintained at 20–30 cm, between small-flowered bushes 15–25 cm, depending on the variety (see recommendations on seed packages). It is impossible to thicken plantings, as this can lead to diseases of individual bushes and even to the death of the entire flower bed. The landing site should be sunny and open, the earth should be sandy or loamy, perlite, humus, peat can be added to it. Before planting plants on the street, it is advisable to pre-harden them, taking them out for several hours in a cool room or on the street.
The land in the flower bed should always be moist and loose, weeded from weeds and fertilized. Distilled water is used for irrigation. Watering is carried out as the earth dries up, and at the root, so as not to injure the tender flower petals. Withering flowers are removed to maintain an attractive appearance.
fertilizers
At different stages of development, the plant needs fertilizers:
- when planting seeds in soil or water for irrigation, growth stimulants (Zircon, Epin) are added;
- when shoots appear and after picking, watering is carried out with fertilizers containing phosphorus (P) for the development of the root system and nitrogen (N) for the growth of green mass (White Crystal, Agricola for ornamental plants);
- for a set of bud and good flowering you need fertilizers containing potassium (K), which is responsible for flowering, and phosphorus (P) (Red Crystal, Kemira Lux, Agricola for flowering plants, Aquarin flower).
IN garden shops sell liquid and dry fertilizers various brands. The most important thing to pay attention to when buying is the ratio of N, P, and K. Dry fertilizers in the form of powder or granules are dissolved in water before use. Some gardeners, before planting, apply long-lasting fertilizers to the soil that dissolve gradually (superphosphate, nitroammophoska). But with such fertilizers, it is difficult to determine which nutrients the plants lack at a particular period of development.
The regularity of nutrient watering depends on the specific fertilizer and the recommendations indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging of the product. Usually it is 1 time in 1-2 weeks. If you want to feed more often, you need to proportionally reduce the dose applied each time. Top dressing can be carried out both under the root and “on the leaf”, and the concentration of the fertilizer solution for foliar spraying should be weaker than for watering “under the root”.