Petunia Petunia × atkinsiana 'Storm Pink'

Water

For garden petunias, it's important to maintain consistent moisture without overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other issues. They should be watered thoroughly once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means watering once a week, but this can vary with environmental conditions. In hot, dry periods, petunias may need watering every other day, especially if they're in containers. Generally, aim for about one gallon of water per square foot every seven days, adjusting based on rainfall and temperature. It's best to water in the morning directly at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, which could lead to fungal diseases.

Light

Garden petunias thrive in full sun, meaning they require at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. A spot where they can receive unfiltered sunlight for most of the day is ideal. However, they can tolerate partial shade, particularly in hotter climates where some afternoon shade can prevent overheating. Avoid placing them in deep shade, as it will reduce blooming and can lead to leggy growth.

Temperature

Garden petunias prefer temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. They can survive in temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but extended periods outside this range can stress the plants. They are not frost-tolerant and should be protected when temperatures drop close to freezing.

Pruning

Pruning garden petunias encourages fuller growth and more blooms. Pinch or cut back overgrown stems by a few inches throughout the growing season to keep the plant bushy and to promote new flowers. The best time for a major pruning is midsummer when the plants can look leggy and tired. Removing faded or dead flowers (deadheading) regularly also encourages continued blooming.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

For Petunias, a light, well-draining potting mix is ideal, with a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0. An excellent soil mix can be made by combining peat moss, compost, perlite or vermiculite, and a slow-release fertilizer to provide nutrients. The soil should retain moisture yet allow excess water to drain to prevent root rot.

Repotting

Petunias should typically be repotted annually to replenish the soil and accommodate the growing root system. However, if they are grown as annuals, repotting may not be necessary. If kept over winter or as perennials in appropriate climates, repotting should be done in the spring before new growth begins.

Humidity & Misting

Petunias prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite adaptable and can tolerate the varying humidity levels typically found in outdoor environments. They do not require high humidity and can thrive in average ambient humidity conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Use well-draining soil, place in bright light, and keep at room temp.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, ensure soil drains well, water regularly.

• Hardiness zone

  9-11 USDA

Life cycle

Petunia × atkinsiana 'Storm Pink', commonly known as Storm Pink Petunia, starts its life cycle when seeds are sown in warm soil, typically after the danger of frost has passed. The seeds germinate within 5 to 15 days, emerging as seedlings with their first true leaves. As they grow, these seedlings develop a robust root system and a rosette of leaves, entering the vegetative stage. Flowering begins as the days lengthen, with the plant producing numerous trumpet-shaped, vividly colored blossoms. The flowering stage continues throughout the warm months, with blooms often lasting until the first frost. Finally, as temperatures drop, the plant completes its annual cycle by setting seed, then dying back, having completed reproduction.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for Petunia × atkinsiana 'Storm Pink', commonly known as petunia, is through seed sowing. Gardeners typically start petunia seeds indoors 10 to 12 weeks before the last spring frost. To do this, they scatter seeds onto the surface of a moist, well-drained seed starting mix, ensuring that the seeds are not covered, as they need light to germinate. The pots or trays are then placed in a warm spot (around 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit or 21 to 24 degrees Celsius) and kept moist. Seedlings usually emerge within 5 to 15 days. Once the seedlings have developed their second set of true leaves and are large enough to handle, they are thinned out or transplanted into individual pots. Gardeners continue to grow the young plants in a bright, cooler environment until they are ready to be hardened off and transplanted into the garden after the danger of frost has passed.