Petunia

Petunia Description

Petunias are of South American origin and were introduced into Europe in the 1830's. It is currently a hugely popular annual flowering plant. Available in a wide range of attractive pastel shades the trumpet shaped blossoms can be found in many flower borders, containers, pots and hanging baskets. Flower colours include white, yellow, pink, crimson, red, blue, mauve, and purple.

Petunias start blooming in early summer and continue to show vigorously right through until the first frost of autumn appear.

Cultivation of Petunia Plants

Petunia seeds at the beginning of spring protected under glass at a temperature of 15 degrees Celsius. Prick out the seeds into seed boxes and harden off ahead of planting outdoors in late spring or early in the summer.

The site chosen for permanent planting should be somewhat sheltered yet in a sunny position.

Petunia plants do best in light soil with adequate drainage.

Petunia Pests and Diseases

Petunias are usually trouble-free however they can be susceptible to mildew on the leaves, manifesting itself as yellow spotting.