Why Grow Petunia Flowers From Seeds?
Petunias are plants that are loved by plant breeders and new types of petunia varieties are constantly being trialled. There is an incredible range of colours and Suttons offer a great selection. Try ‘Shock wave yellow’, subtle sulphur coloured flower that looks great in a container.
For some hanging basket magic, use ‘Trailing emperor mix’ a wonderful trailing petunia seed mix or for an extra blousy Petunia grow ‘Duo double mix’. Easy to grow from seed petunias are a must for the garden, patio pots or window boxes.
How To Grow Petunia From Seed
Petunias are half-hardy annuals meaning they are tender and need to be kept away from the cold.
- Sow in a heated propagator using a peat-free seed compost. Gently firm the soil with a tamper and cover the seed with sieved soil and label
- When your Petunia seedlings are up and have two distinct leaves, prick out using a dibber, making sure they are only handled by the leaves, replanting so they have more space to grow in either planting cells or seed tray. Harden off buy airing them during the day and plant out after frosts, June 1st being a good bench-mark.
- Petunias need a good sunny spot with rich, well-draining soil or decent peat-free compost
- Petunias are hungry plants so use a slow-release fertiliser, and every few weeks use a seaweed foliar feed, changing to a Potash feed when the heavy flowering period begins
- Pick over the spent flower, regular watering is important during dry periods, Petunias will flag and let you know if they have no moisture
- Mildew can be a problem in dry humid weather. Practise removing dead, diseased leaves, if in a container spray with an organic deterrent spray
How To Germinate Petunia Seeds
Petunia seeds should germinate within 10 to 21 days. When the seedlings are large enough to handle transplant them into trays 5cm apart. Petunia plants need to be acclimatised to outside condition before planting out (when all danger of frost has passed) at 30cm apart, in an open sunny position.
Grow Petunias for a seasonal display, pick new varieties year after year to enjoy the amazing choice of these busy plants. Petunias are perfect for the hanging baskets, troughs or in mass in a border. Try planning your interplanting, using Petunias as carpet ground cover with taller bedding plants rising out of them. They look great when planted to frame a path entrance.
