Surfinia Petunia Surfinia Pink Vein = 'Suntosol' (Surfinia Series)

Water

Surfinia petunias require regular watering to keep their soil moist but not waterlogged. Water them thoroughly when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, which might be every other day during the summer or less frequently during cooler months. These plants prefer a deep soaking rather than a light sprinkle, ensuring that the water reaches the root level. For potted plants, this might translate to approximately 16-24 ounces of water per watering session, depending on the size of the container and the environmental conditions. In hot weather or hanging baskets, which dry out faster, daily watering may be necessary.

Light

Surfinia petunias thrive best in full sun conditions, receiving at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. They should be planted in a spot where they can receive morning and midday sun for optimum growth. While they can tolerate some partial shade, too little light may result in leggy plants and fewer flowers.

Temperature

Surfinia petunias prefer warmer temperatures and perform best when nighttime temperatures are consistently above 40 degrees Fahrenheit and daytime temperatures range from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They can handle temperatures up to about 90 degrees Fahrenheit but will require more frequent watering in such heat. These petunias might not survive frost and should be protected or brought indoors if temperatures dip below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pruning

Regularly deadheading Surfinia petunias promotes bushier growth and continuous blooming throughout the season. Remove faded or dead flowers weekly to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from putting energy into seed production. The best time for more significant pruning is mid-season when you can cut back leggy stems by a third to rejuvenate the plant and maintain a compact shape.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Surfinia petunias is light, well-draining potting soil with added perlite or vermiculite. They prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Ensure good fertility with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer mixed into the soil.

Repotting

Surfinia petunias should be repotted annually, preferably in the spring as new growth begins. They enjoy fresh soil each year to support their vigorous growth and blooming.

Humidity & Misting

Surfinia petunias flourish in average humidity conditions and do not require any special humidity adjustments. They are adaptable to the humidity levels typically found in outdoor environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, regular watering, and monthly fertilizer.

• Outdoor

  Place in full sun, water regularly, and deadhead spent blooms.

• Hardiness zone

  9-11 USDA

Life cycle

The Petunia Surfinia Pink Vein, a flowering plant, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown into well-drained soil in early spring after the danger of frost has passed. Germination occurs within 5 to 15 days in warm conditions with adequate moisture, leading to the development of seedlings. Once seedlings are established and have developed a few true leaves, they undergo growth and vegetative development, producing a bushy structure well-suited for flowering. Flower buds form and as temperatures rise in late spring to summer, profuse blooms of pink flowers with distinct veins open and will continue blooming until the first frost if deadheaded and well maintained. After flowering, the plant sets seeds that can be collected for the next growing season if not grown as a hybrid. The plant will eventually senesce and die with the onset of cold weather or after completing its annual growth cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Summer

• Petunia Surfinia Pink Vein, part of the Surfinia Series, is typically propagated through softwood cuttings. This method is favored because it maintains the characteristics of the parent plant, essential for hybrids such as 'Suntosol'. The most popular time to propagate through cuttings is late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing. Cut a 3- to 4-inch (approximately 7.5 to 10 cm) length from a healthy stem, just below a node. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. Then, plant the cutting in a mixture of half peat and half perlite, ensuring the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged. Place the potted cutting in a warm, bright area out of direct sunlight until roots have established, usually within a few weeks.