Among the most popular plants for window boxes and hanging baskets, petunias are way ahead. No wonder, because petunias are really easy to care for.
From late spring to autumn, petunias in balcony boxes and hanging baskets unfold a veritable firework display. The permanent bloomers score with a fascinating color spectrum. That's why petunias are also part of the standard range of nurseries. Among other things, however, because they have proven to be very easy to care for and robust. Of course, low-maintenance doesn't mean that you shouldn't do your petunias any good. There are a few things you need to keep in mind when it comes to maintenance.
Find the right location
In order for petunias to show their full bloom, they need a warm and sunny location. For example, there will never be a lack of flowers on the south-facing balcony. On the other hand, if you choose a location that is too shady, the plant will not die, but it will lack flowers and develop unsightly long shoots. Petunias are also quite sensitive to rain and wind. A sheltered location for the planters is therefore an advantage.
Planting in flower boxes is particularly popular with petunias. Here, however, you should definitely keep a planting distance of 20 centimeters. So that the hanging growth comes into its own, always choose a place in the front area of the planter for the petunias.
Tip:
Colorful nettles, pasqueflower and geraniums are welcome to join in the tub as neighbors. As a bedding plant, however, petunias appreciate the company of fuchsias, dahlias, marigolds, verbena or lobelia. A popular cottage garden plant, petunias can also be placed in rustic containers with herbs or vegetables.
Watering Petunias Properly
Regular watering is important in a sunny location. Although the plants are permanently thirsty, they do not tolerate waterlogging. For the hobby gardener, this means watering regularly and not just stopping at a heavy downpour. The water must not accumulate in the ground. This is especially true when planting in tubsnote. It is therefore important to ensure that there are sufficiently large water drainage holes in the floor.
On warm summer days, petunias may need water several times a day. So that the liquid does not evaporate without being used, but can be given directly to the plants, the morning and evening hours are the best watering times.
How to properly fertilize petunias
If you want the flowering period to last all summer, you need to be aware that petunias have very high nutritional requirements. Therefore, they are also fertilized during the entire growth phase. You can take this into account when planting and add depot fertilizer directly to the soil. The plants are supplied with nutrients for weeks. Alternatively, you can also add liquid fertilizer directly to the irrigation water every two weeks.
How to stimulate flowering
Withered flowers should be removed regularly. This not only serves the optics, but also promotes rapid reblooming. The flowering power of the plants is reduced if you do not remove faded flowers regularly. If long and unsightly shoots have formed, you should also remove these.
Tip:
If you take cuttings about 15 centimeters long from a strong plant, remove the lower leaves and then place the cuttings in small seed pots, then you can You can easily grow petunias yourself this way.
How to overwinter your petunias
Cultivation as an annual plant is common for petunias. Petunias are rarely overwintered, although this can certainly succeed. Young plants are particularly suitable for this. Just keep the following points in mind when hibernating:
- Prune the plants back to about 20 centimetres.
- Overwinter the petunias bright and frost-free (five to ten degrees).
- Water the petunias occasionally. The substrate must not dry out.
Detecting and combating diseases and pests
❍ Aphids:
Petunias are quite susceptible to aphids. The infestation is also favored by warm, humid weather. However, if you thin out the plants and treat them with a biological agent, you can minimize the infestation. But treating them with home-made nettle manure can also put the little creatures to flight.
❍ Snails:
Petunias in the bed are also a welcome delicacy for snails. Planting in pots and tubs largely protects against defoliationsnails. In the bed, on the other hand, you can protect your petunias from the animals with so-called snail fences.
❍ Iron deficiency:
If you suddenly notice yellow leaves when growing in pots, iron deficiency could be the cause. Appropriate fertilization can help and ensure that the young leaves grow back he althily.
❍ Mosaic Disease & Potato Viruses:
When buying, you should make sure that there are no wilted leaves or light spots on the plants. This could point to the mosaic disease. Susceptibility to potato viruses persists. As for the mosaic disease described, there is no antidote for this viral disease. The plants must therefore be disposed of in the event of an infestation so that the disease does not spread further in beds or containers.
❍ Mildew:
If a white coating appears on the leaves of the petunia, it is often powdery mildew. You can combat this by spraying the plants with a homemade garlic decoction for several days in a row.