How to Grow Petunias From Seed

In this article, you will learn how to start your own petunia plants from seed. You’ll learn how to sow petunia seeds indoors and grow them in individual peat containers for about 10 weeks. Then, you’ll learn how to transplant them into individual pots or individual trays, and how to deadhead the blooms to prevent seed formation. In addition, you’ll learn how to plant them in full or partial shade.

Sow petunia seeds indoors for 10 weeks

You can start petunia seeds indoors ten weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. In cooler regions, start sowing petunia seeds in late February or early March. To ensure that you’ll have a fresh supply of petunias in the garden by the end of spring, start indoors in February or early March. Keep the container moist and do not cover the seedlings.

Transplant into individual peat containers

To start your petunias from seed, use biodegradable peat pots. Fill the pots to three inches below the top rim. Transplant petunias when they have three true leaves. Transplanting is easiest when the soil is damp. If you can’t find biodegradable peat pots, you can use pelleted seeds.

Deadheading prevents seed formation

To prevent seed pod formation, you need to deadhead your petunias regularly. Cut off the calyx and sepal before the flower finishes blooming. Afterwards, you can compost the remains of the flower. As the summer progresses, petunias will become leggy and will stop blooming. To prevent seed formation, deadhead the flowers every two weeks, Browse around this site.

Plant in full sun or partial shade

If you are trying to decide whether to plant petunias in full sun or partially shade, consider their preferred growing conditions. This low-maintenance flower prefers bright sunlight, but will tolerate light shade. They are winter-hardy in USDA zones 10 and 11.

Avoid buying plants that are already in bloom

When growing petunias from seed, you can buy ones that are in full bloom. However, you can also avoid buying flowering plants that are already in bloom if you want to make sure that your new petunias will look as good as possible. After all, blooming petunias tend to be leggy. This is because they stop forming many flowers as the summer wears on. However, you can always compost their dead blooms for future use.

Sow seeds indoors

If you’d like to have a colorful and reliable flower garden, you may want to start your petunia seeds indoors. These flowering annuals are easy to grow and provide blooms reliably all summer. You can find different varieties and colors of petunias, and you can start them indoors 10 weeks before the planned date for outdoor planting. For example, late February or early March is the best time to start sowing petunia seeds.

Water them well

Ideally, plant your petunia seeds about one-half inch apart in a pot with direct sunlight. Place these seeds in rows eight to 12 inches apart. After they sprout, prune the plants to force bushiness and growth. Alternatively, you can plant them in a container with a drainage hole. Water them well until they have three leaves each. Water them regularly and fertilize them every other week. If you’re starting a new variety, use a slow-acting granular fertilizer to supply them with basic nutrition.

Avoid aphids

Aphids are a common problem for petunias, but there are ways to avoid them and keep your petunias healthy. Aphids can cause damage to your petunias by causing them to produce sticky, undigested sap called honeydew on their leaves. This sap can lead to heavy sooty mold, which prevents the petunias from making essential nutrients. Spraying your petunias early in the morning can minimize the risk of a fungal infection.

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Bill Sutton

Bill Sutton is born in Middletown Township, NJ. He is a journalist. He completed his Master of Journalism (JOMJ) degree at the University of Maryland. He grew up in Middletown Township, NJ. For a few years, after college and before moving to Middletown Township, He lived and worked in Detroit in an intentional community. Sometimes, he likes to do things that involve neither reading nor writing nor asking people questions. These things include hiking, running, bike riding, watching fun shows, playing outdoor with his children, and generally wandering around.