What are we going to talk about? But about what ... The main character- petunia plant, planting and care. Let's see the photos, admire ... After all, this is the leader among the most popular garden flowers. How to grow a beautiful petunia? It is rich in its multicolor, harmoniously combined in plantings with other summer flowers. Petunia is a real decoration of our flower beds, balconies, summer cottages. The lush flowering of this bright plant lasts all season, but in addition to its beauty, it is famous for the fact that it is not difficult to plant and grow it.
Photo of petunia, it looks great, even if there are other flowers in the flowerbed:
This lovely garden flower comes in many varieties. Its color shades are varied and its shapes are bizarre. Most often, petunia is divided into two varieties - bush and ampelous. Shrub we most often arrange flower beds or plant it in pots. This variety is unpretentious, sown in early spring- March, April.
Petunia photo in pots on the street, photo Ampelnaya is a flower "waterfall". It is more suitable for hanging or forming garden compositions. Windows, balconies, pergolas are also suitable for decorating with such plants. These varieties need to be sown before the bush species, around the beginning of February.
Petunia photo shoots Most varieties of petunias are quite unpretentious. Even if with the onset of warmth (March-April) you sow seeds in the open field, ensure regular watering, it will grow and bloom. But if you want to get lush, well-groomed bushes, then you have to try a little, "conjure" over a small seed.
Methods for planting petunia seeds:
Whichever method is sown, seedlings need the correct temperature regime(+ 23 ... - + 25 ° С), covering with a film, timely watering.
Usually, petunia seeds are sown taking into account the cultivar group (20th of March) in order to get flowering bushes by the beginning of summer. If you want to see flowering earlier, then it is better to start sowing in late January - early February.
A nutritious, loose soil with good water-holding properties is suitable for it. Strongly acidic or alkaline soil mixtures should be avoided.
Against the background of the narration about the details of growing petunias, it is still worth mentioning the possibility of acquiring ready-made seedlings. Cases are different: someone simply does not have enough time to deal with this process, but they really want to have a fragrant flower.
For such cases, petunia seedlings are sold, which can be bought at the market, store, floristic center, even an online store.
At the first time after sowing (the first 7-10 days), the seeds will not be prevented by regular spraying with a slightly borous solution of potassium permanganate. At the end of this period, with the appearance of the first sprouts that have hatched, top dressing can be introduced. At the very beginning, it is advisable to use foliar means - irrigation mineral compositions... If the situation requires it, then 1 or 2 times you can apply a plant growth stimulator, such as "Epin-Extra".
Seedlings should be provided with a sufficient amount of moisture, but do not be too zealous, as excessive moisture provokes diseases. If the sprouts are oversaturated with moisture, it is necessary to stop irrigation with water. At the same time, it is necessary to moisten the soil only by watering along the walls of the containers so that the water is in minimal contact with the plants.
Seedlings after picking
When the sprouts acquire a couple of full-fledged sheets, start diving. For this, the seedlings are planted one bush at a time in special containers or disposable 200 gram cups (very convenient). The cups are filled with the same nutrient soil that was used for seeding. After planting, the bushes are watered, covered for 1-2 days with some non-woven fabric(for example, Spunbond).
At the first time after plowing for petunia, moderate soil moisture, periodic loosening is important. If seedlings need feeding, then it can be done 7-10 days after picking (1 time per week).
Before planting petunia bushes for a permanent place of residence, take care of its hardening. To do this, pots with seedlings need to be periodically taken out into the cold (but not into the cold), providing an influx of fresh air.
It's time to dive This flower loves loamy fertile soils. If you add compost or humus before planting in the place of the flower bed, then the petunia will bloom more actively and more luxuriantly. Make sure that the place for the plants is well lit by the sun. Most often, the bushes are planted around the 20th of April (in the Kuban), after the frosts are left behind.
For planting, the seedlings need to be watered well so that they can be conveniently removed from the pot. Plant together with a lump of soil on a flower bed. The step between the bushes should be about 30-40 cm. Then the plants are watered and mulched again (the next day).
Planting seedlings Follow-up care for petunia includes:
However, the most important factor is complex feeding and organic fertilizers to be injected 8 days after planting. Potassium supplements should be made every 10 days. We advise you to continue them until August inclusive. You can also use organic fertilizers, such as humus fertilizers.
Wealth colors and varieties allows you to create incredible combinations of shades, various designs... Multicolor flower beds, flower cascades, tree fragments equipped for flower beds, even car tires- a field of activity, a source of inspiration for a summer resident.
Petunia goes well with flowers that complement each other in flower bed arrangements (see the first photo). For these purposes, you need to choose the same non-capricious, sun-loving plants (for example, snapdragon, salvia, calendula, levkoi). When decorating a summer cottage with petunias, one should not forget about sunny places, since in the shady zones it simply cannot gain strength, fully bloom. Well-lit, slightly shaded areas are ideal for this plant.
Some design options:
Already in itself, ampelous petunia is a decoration, how many pieces to plant in pots - determines the size of the container, for example, 4-5 bushes with a diameter of 20-30 cm.With the onset of spring, shopping centers begin to sell pots 22 cm in diameter, in which 3 bushes are comfortably located ...
Flower bed Despite all the subtleties, nuances, it is not difficult to grow, plant petunia - it is quite within the power of any novice florist. Attention to seedlings, appropriate care will bear fruit. If you at least once grow a lush, fragrant beauty from a small seed, you will never refuse her presence at your dacha.
Where to plant petunia in the garden, photo Do not forget to feed with fertilizers on time, water this amazing flower - it will delight you with its flowering until the very cold weather.
Home wall decoration 
Multi-tiered flower bed 
Fence decoration 
Petunia, photo of flowers as a decoration of the porch of the house 
Petunias in the garden 
Petunias in flowerpots, photo 
Even one pot will decorate your home Petunia (Petunia), also called petunia, is a genus represented by shrubs and herbaceous perennials. This genus belongs to the Solanaceae family. V wild conditions such a plant can be found in the tropics of Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay. The name of this genus comes from the Brazilian word "petun" which translates as "tobacco". The fact is that tobacco and petunia are related plants. Even in North America, you can meet 1 species of petunia. This genus unites about 25 species. In some cases, these species are very different from each other. Such a plant has been cultivated since the 18th century. Breeders more than a century ago created hybrids that today are grown as garden or balcony annual plants... Petunia is attractive because her lush bloom lasts the whole season, while the flowers are relatively large, bright and very beautiful. Also this plant goes well with other flowers grown in the garden, such as begonia or pelargonium. Ampel petunia in suspended compositions looks very impressive, especially consisting of varieties of various colors. Also, this plant is very popular, because even an inexperienced gardener can grow it.
The shape of the petunia is bushy. In height, such a flower can reach 0.15–0.7 m, its densely branched shoots can be erect or creeping. Alternate solid oval leaf plates in length reach 5-12 centimeters, they have a dark green or green color. There is pubescence on the surface of foliage and shoots. Single funnel-shaped flowers are located on short peduncles, they can be irregular or regular, terminal or axillary, double or simple, and fringed are also found. Flowers can be colored magenta, pink, blue, pale red, white and purple, with a border, whitish star, halo or dark veins. The fruit is a bivalve box with seeds inside.
On balconies and garden plots cultivate varieties of garden petunia (hybrid), which were bred using wild species of axillary petunia and purple petunia. Flowering begins in July and ends with the onset of frost. Perennial petunia is always grown as an annual plant.
If you sow petunia seeds for seedlings in February, then they will need a backlight. Most gardeners prefer to sow seeds from mid to late March, while it should be borne in mind that due to insufficient daylight hours, seed germination is extremely low, so they must be sown with a margin. The sowing medium should be light, loose and rich in nutrients. Recommended substrate composition: rotted humus, peat, sand and sod or leafy soil (2: 2: 1: 2).
Fill the container with the soil mixture, while the top layer 10 mm thick should consist of the sifted substrate. 24 hours before sowing, the soil mixture must be thoroughly watered, in this case the seeds can be evenly distributed over its surface. Seeds must be combined with dry sand before sowing. Then they are evenly distributed over the surface of the substrate and moistened with a spray bottle. The container on top must be covered with foil or glass. Crops are harvested in a warm (20 to 23 degrees) place.
After about 7 days, the first seedlings should appear. They will need to be ventilated and moistened from a sprayer 2 times a day every day. It is very important during this period to maintain in a mini-greenhouse high level humidity, however, because of this, a "black leg" may develop on the plants. To prevent this, it is necessary to remove condensation from the film every day immediately after its appearance, and the glass must be turned over the other side. In addition, seedlings must be systematically sprayed with a weak solution of potassium manganese. When the first true leaf plate is formed in the plants, the shelter from the container will need to be removed, the surface of the substrate should be covered with a thin layer of sand, and watering should be reduced.
When the seedlings have 3 or 4 true leaf plates, they should be picked, before that, thoroughly moistening the substrate in the container. Take the stick and gently pry it on the plant. Pull it out of the soil by grasping the leaves, while being careful not to shake the substrate off the roots. For picking, individual plastic or peat pots are used, which must be filled with the same substrate. After the plants are cleared, they need to be well watered and covered with paper sheets or lutrasil for 2-3 days.
During this period, you need to take care of the seedlings correctly and this should be taken seriously. During this period, the substrate should be moderately moist all the time. At this time, a variety of factors affect the frequency of watering, therefore, in one case, the seedlings will need to be moistened 1 or 2 times in 7 days, and in the other - twice a day. It is very important to systematically loosen the surface of the substrate around the plants. 7 days after the pick, the plant will need to be systematically fed once a week, while the root and foliar feeding method should be alternated. For top dressing, you can take Kemira, Nitrofoska, Solution or other water-soluble complex fertilizers, while from 25 to 35 grams is taken for 1 bucket of water.
Grandiflora varieties begin to bloom 3 months after sowing seeds, and multiflora varieties - after 2.5 months. Before you start planting seedlings in open soil, it must be hardened. For this, the seedlings are taken out into the street during the daytime or the seedlings are transferred to a cool room for several days.
Loamy or sandy loamy fertile soil is suitable for growing petunias, and it will be very good if humus or compost is introduced into it before planting the plants. It is not recommended to fertilize the soil with manure, because fungal diseases can develop due to it. For planting, you should choose a well-lit open area. It is necessary to plant seedlings in the spring when there is no threat of recurrent frosts (as a rule, from mid to late May). Disembarkation should be done in the evening or on a rainy day.
When planting flowering seedlings, the flowering of such a petunia will last until November. Since these flowers are most often low, they are planted along the edge of the flower bed. For a start, flowers in pots need to be watered very abundantly, then they are pulled out along with a lump of earth and planted in a previously prepared hole. Leave between the plants from 0.3 to 0.4 m free space... The planted flowers need to be watered. A day later, the surface of the site is covered with a layer of mulch.
Growing petunia is not too difficult, but before you start planting it, you need to study all the rules and features of caring for such a plant. Petunia is drought tolerant, but it must be watered during hot summer months. It should be borne in mind that small-flowered varieties are less demanding for watering than large-flowered ones. Water during irrigation must be poured at the root, since otherwise it can be very injured delicate flowers plants. After the petunia is watered, the next day it is necessary to loosen the surface of the site, while removing all the weeds.
If you want the flowering to be long-lasting and as effective as possible, systematically feed this plant. The first feeding of petunias is carried out 7 days after planting in open soil. Then feeding is carried out every one and a half weeks until August, using for this a complex fertilizer, which contains a large amount of potassium. Occasionally, petunia can be fed with organic fertilizers, for example, humic fertilizers or mullein infusion.
Propagation by cuttings is suitable only for terry and ampel petunias, and also for all varieties of mini-petunias (calibrachoa). Terry varieties can be propagated by cuttings in the last weeks of winter, the first - in spring, while mini-petunias and ampelous - all year round, but for this they need additional lighting with fluorescent lamps, as well as heat (from 21 to 24 degrees).
Cut off the apical cuttings, which should have 4 to 6 leaf blades. Tear off all the leaves except the top two. The remaining leaves should be shortened by ½ part. Cuttings must be planted for rooting in the same soil mixture that is used for seedlings. However, in this case, the surface of the substrate should be covered with a layer of perlite or sand 20–25 mm thick, which must be spilled with a fungicide solution. A distance of 15–20 mm must be kept between the cuttings, and the container is covered with glass on top. It is unnecessary to use means that stimulate growth (for example, Heteroauxin), because freshly cut cuttings root so well, but you should not delay planting them. The substrate in the greenhouse should be slightly damp all the time; for this, the petunia needs to be moistened with a spray bottle twice a day. However, it should be borne in mind that excessive dampness contributes to the development of "black leg" or mold. The terry and ampelous petunia will fully take root after about 7 days, and the mini petunia will take root after 14 days.
After the length of the roots reaches 10-15 mm in length, the plant must be planted in individual pots, the diameter of which should be equal to 50 mm. In order for the plants to bush harder, they must be pinched over a 4 or 5 leaf plate. The tops of the stems remaining after the pinching can be used as cuttings. After half a month, if necessary, re-pinching of the stems is carried out. After 6 weeks, these plants are transplanted into pots, the diameter of which reaches 11-13 centimeters. It is necessary to care for growing cuttings in almost the same way as for seedlings. However, it should be borne in mind that ampelous petunias and mini-petunias require a lot of free space, in this regard, it is recommended to hang containers with them.
If, when growing petunias, you follow all the rules of agricultural technology of such a crop, then it will never get sick, and harmful insects will not settle on it. If you take care of the plant incorrectly, then it sometimes gets sick with late blight, chlorosis, black leg and gray rot. To combat these diseases, you need to use funds specially designed for this. However, it is better to prevent the development of diseases, for this you just need to properly care for the bushes. Also, this plant can infect viral diseases, which today are considered incurable.
Aphids, thrips, spider mites and slugs can settle on petunias. In order to get rid of them, you should also use drugs specially designed for this.
Seed collection should be carried out only after they are fully ripe on the bush. During the flowering period, the bushes of those varieties from which you will need to collect seeds should be noted. It should be noted that the lower buds are used to collect seeds, because in them the seeds form and ripen faster. After the bud is fully formed, you should notice 8 weeks, after this time the seeds in them will fully ripen. The seeds of such a plant are small (about half a millimeter in diameter), there are about 100 of them in one box.
Shake out the ripe seeds from the pods and distribute them in bags, do not forget to sign the harvest year, variety and color of the flower. Alternatively, you can simply cut the boxes and store them at home. The seeds need to be ripened, for this they are stored for 3-4 months at room temperature. If the seeds are stored correctly, they remain viable for up to four years.
If you want to save petunia, then it should be removed from the soil in October, then all shoots are removed from the bush. The bush is planted in a pot and removed to a cool room. Here the flower will rest, but it needs to be watered occasionally so that the earth is moderately moist. The pot with the plant must be transferred to a well-lit warm windowsill in February, while systematic watering must be resumed. After 2 or 3 pairs of leaf plates are formed in young stems, they must be cut off with a "heel", which are planted in pots filled with nutritious soil, its surface should be covered with a layer of sand. The container must be covered using glass or film, then it is transferred to a small shade. Provide the plants with regular watering, spraying and airing for 20 days while the shoots are rooting. Then the plant is transplanted into separate cups. They are planted in open soil at the same time as petunia seedlings.
Unnecessary faded petunia bushes in autumn should be dug up and burned, and the site should be dug up.
All varieties of garden petunia are divided into 2 groups: large-flowered and multi-flowered.
Compared to large-flowered varieties, multiflora (multiflora) begin to bloom earlier, while many flowers with a five-centimeter diameter grow on the bush, they bloom for a relatively long time. Such flowers are picky, they can be grown in any soil, they are not afraid of rains and they like sunlight. In this regard, such a petunia can be called real garden flower... It looks less impressive than plants of large-flowered varieties, but compact bushes covered with flowers of various shades are able to delight with their beauty before the onset of severe frosts. The most popular are the following varieties of multiflorous petunia:
The most common group of hybrids, which includes hundreds of varieties, is the large-flowered petunia (grandiflora). Such plants have very large and showy flowers, but there are much fewer of them than on the bushes of small-flowered varieties. Such a group has one drawback, the fact that the wind and rain can injure the flowers, which, because of this, lose their attractiveness. In this regard, large-flowered petunia, as a rule, is used for growing in containers or pots indoors, on a terrace or balcony. This group is divided into subgroups:
The following series of large-flowered petunias are very popular:
In addition to these most popular groups of petunias, petunia floribunda is still quite in demand. It occupies an intermediate position between these groups. For the flowers of this group, the rains are practically not scary, almost as much as for the flowers of the multi-flowered petunia. However, in order for such plants to look very beautiful, they must be grown in bulk, for this they are planted in large flower beds. Varieties:
There is also a garden group called ampelous or balcony petunias. The plants included in it have flexible and long shoots that tend to grow downward. These flowers are fast growing and resistant to adverse weather conditions. Popular variety series:
Petunia is perennial families of nightshade. Often grown as an annual. There are many varieties of petunias, which differ from each other in color and shape of flowers. It can be of the following colors: red, yellow, white, cream, blue, light blue, purple and many other shades.
The shape of petunia is:
Bushes can be miniature (up to 30 cm), and can reach 70 cm.
REFERENCE! Petunia is a relative of tobacco. Her Homeland - South America... It was introduced to Europe in the 18th century.
Petunia is a fairly thermophilic plant. However, some varieties and hybrids can tolerate cold snaps. As a rule, in central Russia, it is planted in open ground in the second half of May. Flowering seedlings are allowed to be planted earlier - at the end of April or the first half of May. With its flowering petunia open ground pleases from mid-summer to late autumn.
Petunia can be planted in the ground with seeds and seedlings. The second option is most often used. At the initial stages, it is easier for a novice florist to purchase ready-made seedlings.
For planting petunias, you must choose a light, windless area. She also tolerates partial shade well. A few days before planting the seedlings, you need to fertilize the soil with humus, and 3-4 days it is recommended to take it outside. Landing is carried out in the evening or on a warm cloudy day.
The distance between the holes depends on the plant variety. The optimal distance between them:
Before removing the seedlings from the container, you must first water it well. They are planted in the hole together with an earthen clod. The soil around the seedling is tamped and watered abundantly with warm water, and sprinkled with peat or humus on top. The first couple of days after planting the petunia should be protected from direct sunlight.
ATTENTION! You can not fertilize the beds before planting petunias with fresh manure, as it can provoke fungal diseases.
Correct includes the following key aspects:
The above aspects of petunia care are relevant at any time of the year, but each period has its own characteristics.
Care details flowering plant we told you, and from you will learn what to do if the petunia does not bloom.
An important element of petunia care is that it is produced in August. During this period, the plant spends a lot of energy on seed formation. It is necessary to remove all wilted flowers from the bush. If the shoots of petunia have grown a lot, have become heavy, they also need to be cut off. This will give the bush an aesthetic appearance and have a positive effect on its general condition. Pruning can be done with scissors or by gently removing the excess with your hands.
In late August - early September, the petunia must be dug up together with an earthen clod and transplanted into pots. Their diameter must be at least 15 cm. Dried leaves and shoots must be removed. Experienced florists it is recommended to cut off the shoots, leaving 10-15 cm of their length.
By placing the pots of plants in a cool room, it is necessary to provide them with care. Per autumn period the plants will root well and will be able to survive the winter.
is to ensure optimal temperature conditions. The air temperature in the room should be at the level of + 10 - 12 degrees. If it is higher than these indicators, it is necessary to provide it with illumination up to 12 hours daily. Those. the higher the temperature, the more light the plant needs.
Water the petunia in winter period necessary as needed. If the leaves begin to fall, this is a signal for action.
Top dressing is rarely done in winter, about a couple of times during the entire period with phosphorus-potassium fertilizers. Along with this, processing is carried out several times from spider mite special preparations.
IMPORTANT! In winter, petunia may look wilted and weakened. But don't discount it. In the spring, the plant will again delight with its healthy appearance.
Caring for petunia in spring is to prepare it for propagation by cuttings. This will be discussed below.
The most common pests and diseases for petunias are:
After wintering, you need to take care of transplanting petunias from pots, or rather, about its reproduction. This requires:
You can propagate petunia by cuttings in the summer.
The process of growing petunias cannot be called quite easy, since there are many nuances and difficulties in this matter. However, with the right approach and following the recommendations, this is quite possible. And then all the work and efforts will pay off with the wonderful flowering of the petunia.
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Petunia adorns flower gardens in almost all countries of the world. It was imported from Brazil. The first to describe this plant was Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, who then called it "tobacco". The name comes from the Brazilian "petun", which means tobacco. Only 10 years later, the plant was allocated a separate genus - petunia.
Garden or hybrid petunia grows in our parks and gardens. The first double varieties of petunias were bred in 1855, and large-flowered in 1881. In the middle of the last century, ampelous petunia was the result of cell hybridization.
Petunias by flower size can be divided into two groups:
Today, plants with small flowers (2-4 centimeters in diameter) have become very popular, which formed the third group - small-flowered.
Petunia is divided into the following varieties:
Has three subspecies:
The most popular subspecies are:
This view forms shoots that tend downward. The best subspecies of this variety is Surfinia. Most growers prefer to grow this particular variety because of the variety of colors, resistance to bad weather conditions and fast growing season.
Surfinia are divided into 3 series:
This variety can be found in bush petunias (multiflora, milliflora and grandiflora). There are cases that it is found in cascade and ampelous.
Double flowers require more scrupulous care than other varieties. These flowers are much heavier, so they cannot withstand strong gusts of wind. To plant them, it is necessary to select a protected place. It is worth highlighting the Double Cascade Mix variety.
The question for novice growers is often how to decorate your balcony with beautiful flowers? There are only two options: buy ready-made seedlings or personally grow planting material.
Almost all varieties and hybrids of petunias reproduce through seeds. But there is also reproduction by cuttings (for this method, it is necessary to preserve uterine plants). Growth and flowering from cuttings is faster. But endurance and abundant flowering is the strong point of reproduction from seeds.
These plants must be sown on the surface of the soil without sprinkling them, otherwise the seeds will not germinate. Sowing is not as easy as it sounds. This is due to the very small seeds. If the seeds do not fall into the seedling container, it is necessary to pick up a small seed with a toothpick and transfer it to the right place.
Important! It is advisable to use a second toothpick to indicate where the seeds are sown, since they are almost impossible to see on dark soil. This method will help you sow evenly.
Usage food containers will also make sowing easier. These containers are easy to ventilate, and the transparent lid will allow enough light rays to pass through. The use of even small-volume containers is possible before picking the sprouts.
After sowing seeds on the soil surface, it is necessary to sprinkle with water from a spray bottle. The sowing site must be covered with a plastic bag or film. From time to time they need to be ventilated to avoid the accumulation of condensation, and also to monitor the moisture content of the soil.
The first shoots will appear in 14-15 days (if the seeds are good, then all will appear at once). But that doesn't always happen. Many growers argue that if after the expiration of a 2-week period the sprouts have not appeared, then the expectation of their further appearance is meaningless. There were cases that sprouts appeared in a month, but there will be no joy from this. These sprouts will be weak and must be constantly monitored, and the result will be unpredictable.
The dive must be done with the grown sprouts, for this they are seated in different containers.
Capacities can be different - from small pots to plastic cups and containers from yogurt.
There are growing secrets! Petunias have a very branched and extensive root system. At home, until it gets warm outside, it will grow for two months - this is the best case.
For a strong and healthy seedling, you need to provide the plant with enough soil. In cramped conditions, the roots will not receive sufficient nutrition and the result will not be seen.
Watch the video! How to sow large amounts of petunias at home
There are two ways:
Petunia loves light. At the end of winter, when sowing seedlings, it is necessary to organize additional lighting from the moment the sprouts appear. With little light, the sprouts will stretch out and become too weak.
Temperature conditions are very important. Before germination of the first greens, the temperature should be 23-25 degrees. When the first sprouts appear, the container is ventilated, thereby increasing the time spent by the sprouts in the open air. A sharp change in conditions can negatively affect young seedlings.
After the pick, when the seedlings get stronger, you can continue lower the temperature... At night it should be about +15 degrees, and in the daytime - + 18 ... + 20 degrees.
You need to water carefully, not getting on the leaves. The measure when watering is also important: petunia does not like both drying out and excess moisture (rot may appear).
Like everyone fast growing plant, petunia loves feeding. When planting seedlings on a mixture of soil with a hydrogel, which is soaked in a solution of fertilizers, fertilizing should be done less often and later. Any complex flower fertilizer can be suitable for feeding.
To obtain a compact, branched and neat bush, the growing shoots must be pinched. With an ampelous variety, this will not work, although it must be pinched, it will grow in length. Such step-by-step cultivation will give the desired results and seedlings can be transplanted into open ground, pots, flower beds.
For vegetative propagation well-developed and healthy uterine sprouts are collected in autumn. The most difficult thing is to preserve these mother liquors during the winter when there is a lack of light.
The grafting itself should begin from the end of February - the beginning of March. For this, the required temperature should be 12-15 degrees, the room should have good lighting.
For cuttings, the tops of the shoots are taken, the length of which is 4-6 centimeters. In large-leaved varieties, it is advisable to remove the bottom leaf, and make the rest shorter. Cut cuttings must be placed in a light and moisture-absorbing substrate. Covering with lutrasil will help keep the cuttings moist.
When rooting, the temperature should be between 20 and 22 degrees. Root formation will occur in 6-10 days, and after 10-12 days, the cuttings must be transplanted into pots, pinching the top in advance.
In hot and dry summers, petunia flower beds will be the most beautiful. Hybrids tolerate cool, damp weather better, as well as frost. Because of this, their flowering is longer in the fall.
Varieties with small flowers can tolerate frosts of up to 4 degrees, so they can be planted earlier than other varieties (mid-May). Large-flowered varieties like more warmth and must be planted in late spring.
For plants to bloom profusely, they need a sufficient amount of nutrients.
Nitrogen fertilizers must be applied after planting in open ground. If the leaves turn yellow, top dressing is repeated after 1 week. In order to avoid upsetting the balance between growth and flowering, petunia is fertilized with complex fertilizing with a high concentration of potassium.
Petunia is fertilized regularly until August. In case of drought, it is necessary to combine watering and feeding. In wet weather, fertilizers are scattered under the plants without affecting the leaves.
For abundant flowering of petunias, the soil must be fertile and loose. In addition to fertilizers, loosening of the soil should be periodic and regular. This will allow the roots to absorb more oxygen and water will be more efficient.
Novice flower growers do not know how to properly care for these plants. In order for lush bushes to form, they need to be pinched, while removing the upper parts of the shoots. This method is done only when the plant is actively growing. To form a new point of growth of several shoots, the stem is cut over 5-6 leaves with secateurs. Thus, from this place new shoots will begin to grow in different directions. In this phase, the seedlings will slow down their development, but at the same time they will be able to grow a little stronger. When side shoots appear, the bush takes on a rounded appearance.
Pinching after rooting is carried out only if the seedlings are planted in open ground. The sprout must adapt, and for this, it needs a couple of days. It is during this period of time that you need to create favorable conditions for plants to take root.
Petunias can bloom for a long time and profusely. For planting, you can use vases, containers, flower beds and flower beds. To obtain the amazing beauty of a flower, you need to spend quite a bit of energy on growing them.
Watch the video! Petunia from sowing to flowering
