Plant of the Month – Petunias:
Petunias were originally native to South America, but the petunias that we grow today consist of a large family of hybrids derived from many species. The mature size can vary from 6 to 18 inches tall and spread from 18 inches to 4 feet. They can be found in every color of the rainbow in solids, contrasting veins or edges, and star patterns. The flowers may be large, small, ruffled, fringed, or double.
Some petunias may not be too happy when temperatures reach the 90s for extended periods of time unless they have been well cared for with ample water and fertilizer. Older varieties can lose vigor and stop blooming during mid-to-late high summer temperatures. Plant breeders have tried to deal with this by developing petunia cultivars that are especially vigorous and more heat-tolerant; the Wave petunias were among the first of the these, followed by the Supertunia petunias. One of our Arkansas Diamond selections in recent years was the Supertunia Vista Bubblegum, and I have also been impressed with the Supertunia Vista Fuchsia. But, even with these heat-tolerant varieties, success can still be measured with the frequency of light fertilizer applications.
Petunias can bloom from spring until frost, provided they get enough nutrition. They can be used for color masses in the ground, borders, containers, hanging baskets, or as seasonal groundcover. They need full sun, and while tolerant of a wide range of soil types, they do best in well-drained, light soil. Purchase healthy, young petunias that are short and compact, as leggy, and thin plants are slow to gain vigor. Young plants not yet in full bloom will often establish themselves faster.
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