Black Velvet Petunia Petunia Black Velvet = 'Balpevac' (PBR)

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Petunias have a distinctive look that is hard to miss, and the Petunia Black Velvet is a standout among them. This particular variety, often just called Black Velvet, is known for its unique, deep purple to almost true black flowers. These blossoms are large and showy, with a velvety texture that adds to their allure. The petals are soft to the touch and boast a luxurious sheen that can appear to absorb light, giving the plant its namesake black velvet appearance. The flowers are shaped like funnels, a typical characteristic of petunias, which open up into broad, rounded edges. This shape is particularly attractive to gardeners and makes for an eye-catching display in any setting. Black Velvet petals have a heavy, sumptuous feel that further emphasizes their opulent coloration. Contrasting the dark flowers are the green leaves that provide a lush backdrop to the dramatic blooms. The foliage is also dense and contributes to the plant's overall bushy appearance. The leaves may have a slightly sticky or fuzzy texture that is common to many petunia varieties. Because of the striking color, the Black Velvet petunia easily becomes the focal point in gardens or as part of container arrangements. It can add instant sophistication to any space, pairing well with lighter colored flowers for a bold and contrasting effect or with other dark blooms for a more subdued, gothic garden look. The black hue of the flowers also tends to stand out in almost any light condition, from full sun to partial shade, showcasing its sumptuous, velvety petals to the beholder. Although the size of the plant is not to be detailed, it can be said that Black Velvet petunia makes an impressive statement with its color and texture no matter where it is planted.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Synonyms
  Black Velvet Petunia, Petunia 'Black Velvet'.
- Common names
  Petunia Black Velvet = 'Balpevac' (PBR).
Toxicity
- To humans
  Petunias, including the Petunia Black Velvet variety, are generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, they are not meant for consumption, and there may be individuals who are sensitive or allergic to the plant. If ingested in large quantities, they could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort, but poisoning from petunias is rare and they are not known for causing serious health issues in humans.
- To pets
  Petunias, including the Petunia Black Velvet variety, are also generally considered non-toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. They are not known to contain any substances that are harmful to pets, and there is no significant risk of poisoning. However, if a pet ingests a large amount of the plant, it may experience mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea, primarily due to the ingestion of non-food material. It is always best to monitor your pets and keep them from eating large amounts of any non-food plants.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Annuals
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Black
- Height
  1 foot (30 cm)
- Spread
  1 foot (30 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  9
- Native area
  South America

Benefits

General Benefits
- Striking Appearance: Petunia Black Velvet offers a unique, deep black color that is rare in the plant world, providing a dramatic visual contrast in gardens and containers.
- Easy to Grow: It is known for being easy to care for, tolerant of different soil types, and can thrive in both garden beds and containers.
- Continuous Blooming: This plant typically blooms from spring until the first frosts of fall, offering long-lasting color throughout the growing season.
- Attracts Pollinators: Although the dark flowers may not be as attractive to pollinators as brighter colors, petunias, in general, can attract bees and butterflies to the garden.
- Versatility: Suitable for borders, hanging baskets, and as a ground cover, Petunia Black Velvet can be used in various landscaping designs to create different aesthetic effects.
- Weather Tolerance: They can tolerate a wide range of weather conditions from hot, sunny climates to cooler temperatures, making them versatile for different regions.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal maintenance like occasional deadheading to promote more blooms. They do not generally require frequent fertilization or special care.
- Propagates Easily: Petunias can be easily propagated from cuttings or seeds, allowing gardeners to expand their display without additional cost.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Petunia Black Velvet can be used in gothic garden designs to create a dark and moody aesthetic alongside other dark-colored plants.
- As a photography subject, the stark contrast of the black blooms can be striking against lighter backgrounds in artistic compositions.
- In fashion, the deep black color of the Petunia Black Velvet petals can inspire fabric patterns or floral prints for clothing and accessories.
- Due to its unique color, this plant can be used in educational settings to discuss the genetics of flower pigmentation.
- Petunia Black Velvet can be utilized in themed events or Halloween decorations to add a natural, but eerie touch to the ambiance.
- This plant can be incorporated into sensory gardens, where its velvety texture adds to the tactile experience for visitors.
- Can serve as an inspiration for interior design elements, where the rich black color can be echoed in furniture, wall colors, or accent pieces.
- Can be used in culinary presentation as a non-toxic garnish for contrast on plates, however, ensure that the specific variety used is indeed safe for consumption.
- In crafting, the dried petals of the Petunia Black Velvet can be used in scrapbooking, card making, or in creating botanical paperweights or resin jewelry.
- Can be part of a pet-friendly garden design as petunias, including Black Velvet, are generally considered safe for pets if they happen to nibble on them.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Petunia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Petunia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Anger or Resentment: The intense color of the Black Velvet Petunia can symbolize deep emotions such as anger or resentment.
- Refinement and Elegance: The 'Black Velvet' variety, with its sophisticated look, can represent elegance and class.
- Mystery and Intrigue: The dark, almost black flowers are often associated with mystery and the unknown, making them a unique and intriguing choice for gardens.
- Sorrow or Mourning: In some cultures, black flowers may be used to express sorrow or grief, making this petunia suitable for memorial gardens.
- Strength and Uniqueness: Black Velvet Petunias are distinctive and can symbolize the beauty in standing out or being different.
- Nobility and Pride: The rarity and unique beauty of the plant can be seen as a symbol of dignity and pride.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every year

Repotting

🌱️

Spring to Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Petunias, including the Black Velvet Petunia, prefer consistently moist soil, so water them thoroughly once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. In hot weather, this might mean watering every day, especially if they are in containers, using roughly one gallon per square foot every week, adjusting for rainfall. Overhead watering can lead to disease; instead, water at the base of the plant early in the morning to allow foliage to dry quickly. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot, and ensure the pot or garden bed has good drainage.
Light
The Black Velvet Petunia thrives in full sun conditions, meaning it should receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering. Choose a spot in your garden or on your patio that gets ample sunlight throughout the day to ensure your petunias bloom abundantly.
Temperature
Black Velvet Petunias perform best in temperatures ranging between 60°F and 85°F. They can tolerate minor frost but prefer consistently warm conditions and should be protected if temperatures are going to drop below 40°F. Optimal growth occurs within this temperature range; however, they can survive up to 90°F if they are well watered.
Pruning
Regularly deadheading or pruning Black Velvet Petunias encourages more blooms and prevents the plant from becoming leggy. Pinch off spent flowers and any damaged or yellowing leaves to promote healthy growth. The best time to prune is in the morning when the plant is well-hydrated. Pruning can be done every two to three weeks during the growing season.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Petunias thrive in light, fertile, well-draining soil. A mix of peat moss, compost, and perlite or vermiculite in equal parts is ideal. The best pH for Petunias, including Black Velvet Petunia, is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
Repotting
Black Velvet Petunias should be repotted annually, usually in the spring, as they are annual plants. If grown as perennials in pots, repot every one to two years to replenish soil nutrients.
Humidity & Misting
Black Velvet Petunias prefer moderate to high humidity levels, so aim for about 40% to 60% humidity for optimal growth, as this mimics their natural outdoor environment.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place in a sunny spot, keep soil moist, deadhead regularly.
- Outdoor
  Choose a sunny spot, enrich soil, water regularly, and deadhead.
- Hardiness zone
  9-11 USDA
Life cycle
The life of the Petunia Black Velvet begins with seed germination, which typically takes place in warm, moist soil conditions, often in early spring. Following germination, the seedlings emerge and enter the vegetative growth stage, where they develop a rosette of leaves and establish a strong root system. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage, characterized by the development of the distinctive dark, velvety blooms that thrive in full to partial sunlight. After pollination, which may be facilitated by insects, the flowers produce seeds, completing the reproductive cycle of the plant. As the growing season comes to an end, Petunia Black Velvet will generally die back if exposed to frost, as it is a tender perennial often grown as an annual; in frost-free climates or with protection, it may survive to regrow the following season. Regular deadheading of spent flowers can extend the blooming period and encourage more vigorous growth and flowering.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring to Summer
- Propogation: The Petunia Black Velvet is commonly propagated by seed, and this typically occurs in late winter to early spring to ensure that the plants are mature by the time the warm weather arrives. For the home gardener, starting with seedlings or cuttings is the most widely used approach. The easiest and most popular method of propagation for Black Velvet Petunia involves the use of cuttings. You begin by selecting a healthy, non-flowering stem and snip off a length of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters). The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a moist potting mixture and kept under high humidity at a temperature between 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 24 degrees Celsius). In two to three weeks, the cuttings should have developed roots and can be transplanted into individual pots or directly to the garden, depending on the climate.