Double Petunia Petunia Surfinia Double Blue Star = 'Sunsurfelevi' (PBR) (Surfinia Series) (d)

Water

For Petunia Surfinia plants, consistent watering is key, usually when the top inch of soil feels dry. They prefer to be watered deeply but infrequently, which often translates to about 1-2 gallons per week depending on climate conditions and the size of the plant. It's crucial to avoid waterlogging by ensuring good drainage. During hot, dry spells, you might need to water more frequently. Overhead watering should be avoided to prevent disease; instead, water at the base of the plant early in the morning.

Light

Petunia Surfinia thrives in full sun to maintain vibrant flowers and healthy growth. It's best to place them in a spot where they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Areas with morning sun and afternoon shade are typically ideal to protect them from the harshest midday sun while ensuring sufficient light exposure.

Temperature

Petunia Surfinia grows best in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F. They can withstand a maximum temperature of up to 90°F and a minimum of about 40°F, but frost can be detrimental. To ensure optimal growth and flowering, aim to provide them with their ideal temperature range as much as possible.

Pruning

Pruning Petunia Surfinia helps to encourage bushiness and prevents legginess. Lightly pinch back stems every few weeks, especially when the plant starts to look stretched. The best time for pruning is in the mid-summer when you might notice the plant beginning to wane. Regular deadheading of spent flowers also promotes continuous blooming.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Surfinia petunias thrive in a well-draining, fertile potting mix with a pH between 5.5 and 6.0. Mix equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and loamy garden soil to create the ideal environment for these flowers' root systems, and ensure essential nutrients for blooming are present.

Repotting

Surfinia petunias typically don't require frequent repotting and can be repotted annually. They are often treated as annuals; however, if overwintered successfully, they should be repotted in the spring before the new growth starts.

Humidity & Misting

Surfinia petunias prefer moderate humidity levels but are adaptable to a wide range of conditions outside of very high humidity, which can promote fungal diseases. Adequate air circulation around the plants can help maintain the ideal humidity level.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Surfinia petunias in a well-lit spot and ensure regular watering.

• Outdoor

  Plant Surfinia petunias in full sun with good air circulation.

• Hardiness zone

  9-11 USDA

Life cycle

The life of Petunia 'Surfinia Double Blue Star' begins with seed germination, typically in warm, moist soil conditions, where the seed will sprout and develop its first roots and leaves. This is followed by the vegetative stage, where the plant grows rapidly, producing stems, leaves, and a root system in preparation for flowering. During the flowering stage, the plant produces its distinctive double blue and white star-patterned blooms, a process encouraged by full sunlight and regular feeding. After pollination, which can involve insects or wind, the plant may produce seeds within capsules that mature, dry, and eventually release seeds, completing the reproduction cycle. If seeds are not collected, they may fall to the ground and go dormant until the next suitable growing season. Throughout its life, regular pruning and deadheading can encourage continued blooming and robust growth until the plant dies back at the onset of cold weather or through its typical annual life cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Early Summer

• The Petunia Surfinia Double Blue Star, commonly known as Surfinia Petunia, is most commonly propagated through softwood cuttings. This method typically takes place during late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate by cuttings, a stem tip of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) in length is snipped just below a node. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cutting is then placed in a moist, soilless potting mix and kept under high humidity and indirect light. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the new plants can be gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions before potting them individually.