Petunias are popular choices for hanging baskets, as their cascading habit makes them a great choice for high and low spaces alike. Petunias come in a wide variety of colors, making them great for accenting the exterior of your home, or for bringing a burst of joy and color to your porch or balcony.
Many types of petunias are also easy to care for, and require only occasional trimming and deadheading (removing withered flowers) in order to bloom continuously.
Some of the best petunias for hanging baskets are the Supercascades and Spreading varieties, both of which provide an abundance of colorful blossoms spilling over the sides of their container. Supercascades have an especially pendulous habit that make these prolific bloomers a great choice for hanging baskets and window boxes.
Other great hanging basket varieties of petunias include those with double- or even triple-flower forms. These large and lavish flowers will be sure to catch the eye of your friends and neighbors, and are sure to add a touch of sophistication to your outdoor space.
What is the difference between trailing petunias and Wave petunias?
Trailing petunias are varieties of petunias that are known for their cascading growth habit, which creates a flowing, graceful look when planted in hanging baskets or window boxes. They tend to bloom heavily and bear multiple, colorful petals that are usually smaller than those of other varieties.
Trailing petunias also tend to be more fragrant than other varieties.
Wave petunias, on the other hand, are easy-care varieties known for their prolific blooms and self-cleaning petals. They are also quicker to germinate than many other varieties and generally require less care while being better able to stand up to strong winds or rain.
Their growth habit is more upright and mounding than trailing petunias, with larger flower petals, typically some combination of pink, purple, yellow, red and white, that may have speckled or striped markings.
How many petunias should I put in a hanging basket?
The total number of petunias you should put into a hanging basket will depend on the size of the basket and the desired look you are trying to achieve. Generally, it is recommended to use between four and eight petunias per 8-inch (20 cm) basket, but you can adjust the number to create a full, lush effect.
Some tips to keep in mind when planting petunias in a hanging basket include using a soil-less mixture, mixing together different types of petunias, and making sure each petunia has plenty of space to grow.
You should also consider the size of the petunia varieties you choose; choose the smaller varieties for smaller baskets or the larger varieties for larger baskets. Finally, keep in mind that petunias need plenty of light, water, and fertilizer to thrive and bloom, so don’t overcrowd the basket and be sure to care for them properly.
Are petunias good in hanging pots?
Yes, petunias are great in hanging pots. Their cascading habit, with blooms that range from white to pink, purple, and yellow, make them a lovely addition to a hanging pot. They also easily bloom throughout the summer and require very little maintenance, meaning they’re an ideal choice for any porch or patio area.
Petunias thrive in full sun and well-drained soil with plenty of compost or fertilizer. Water them deeply at least once-weekly to keep them healthy. As an added bonus, petunias repel many pests, such as aphids, flies, and whiteflies.
How do you keep petunia hanging baskets looking good?
To keep petunia hanging baskets looking good, it’s important to provide the right care and maintenance. Start by choosing the right soil for your petunias. Make sure to use a potting mix that is designed for hanging baskets, as this type of soil is looser, which allows for more air circulation, while also retaining the right amount of moisture.
You should also make sure to water the petunia hanging baskets regularly. Aim to water in the morning, and check the soil before each watering to make sure it is not overly wet. If it is, wait another day or so before watering again.
It’s also important to fertilize the petunias regularly, starting in early spring after the last frost so the plant can get a good start. Choose a fertilizer specifically formulated for petunias and apply it in the amount specified on the label, as over-fertilizing can damage the plants.
Deadheading petunias regularly is important too, as it helps keep the plants looking fresh and encourages more blooming. Finally, make sure to inspect for pests, such as aphids, and treat the plant accordingly, if any are spotted.
With regular care and maintenance, your petunia hanging baskets should look good all season long.
How do you keep petunias blooming all summer?
To keep petunias blooming all summer, you need to provide plenty of sun, water, and fertilizer. Petunias require plenty of sun to grow, so make sure they get a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day.
You also want to keep them watered on a regular basis, as petunias prefer moist but not wet soil. Lastly, you should fertilize them weekly with a balanced fertilizer to help promote flowering and provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.
You should also regularly remove faded blooms and dead leaves to help encourage new blooms and keep your petunias looking their best.
Will petunias bloom all summer long?
While petunias may bloom all summer long, it depends on the type as some tend to bloom more quickly than others. Petunias are a fairly hardy bloomer, and while they can go through a dormant period during the summer, they will begin to bloom more profusely in late summer and may continue to do so through fall.
It is important to note that their blooming season will depend largely on the climate in which they are growing. If they are not given ample moisture, they will not bloom as well or as consistently. It is also important to provide them with plenty of sunshine and prune them regularly as this will also help them stay blooming through the season.
Lastly, it’s important to keep in mind that even if a type of petunia is advertised to bloom all summer long, it is still important to provide it with the proper care and attention for it to do so.
How long should petunias last?
Petunias generally last from Spring to early Fall, with some varieties blooming all season long. Depending on the variety, some will last as little as two months, while others can be in bloom for six months or more.
However, extreme weather or too much or too little water can shorten their lifespan. In addition, providing regular fertilization can help promote healthy blooms and keep petunias blooming longer. When days become shorter and temperatures drop in Fall, many petunias will begin to die off and will need to be replaced in the Spring.
Should you cut back petunias when they get leggy?
Yes, you should cut back petunias when they get leggy. This will encourage them to produce fresh, healthy growth and flowers. To do this, use sharp scissors or garden shears to snip the stem just above a leaf node – this is the point at which two leaves grow from the stem.
The cut should be made at a 45 degree angle to avoid water sitting on the stem. After cutting, feed the petunias with a balanced liquid fertilizer. For best results, prune and fertilize throughout the season.
In addition to cutting them back, it is important to pinch off any spent blooms to keep the petunias looking healthy and blooming continuously. Pinching off the wilted flowers will also allow the plant to channel energy into producing more flowers.
If the petunias have become too leggy and have stopped blooming, you may have to cut them back severely and let them regrow.
Do I need to deadhead petunias?
Yes, you should deadhead petunias to encourage a profuse blooming throughout the growing season. Deadheading is the removal of spent flowers to prevent the plant from putting energy into producing seeds.
When you deadhead petunia flowers, you will encourage the plant to produce more flowers. It is important to do this regularly throughout the growing season, as this will ensure a colorful and blooming display.
When deadheading petunias, remove the flower stem all the way down to the next node or small side branch. This will also help to keep the plants from becoming straggly and overgrown. Additionally, removing spent petunia flowers helps to keep the plants looking attractive and neat.
How often should I water potted petunias?
Potted petunias need to be watered about once every other day, or when the top of the soil feels dry. During hot weather, you may need to water petunias more frequently. When the flowers are in full bloom and plants are in a bright sunny spot, they may need to be watered daily.
Also, be sure to check the moisture level at least once per week. If the soil feels dry, then it is time to water. If the soil feels moist, you should wait a few more days. Over-watering can be just as harmful as not giving the plants enough water, so it is important to find the right balance.
If petunias are kept in containers that are not properly drained, they can get soggy and the roots can begin to rot. To avoid this, make sure to use a potting soil that is designed for potted plants and is well-draining.
Will petunias grow back if you cut them back?
Yes, petunias will grow back if you cut them back. If you cut them down to the ground, the entire stem will need to regrow. Petunias will grow back if cut back either way, however, it will depend on how severely they are trimmed.
If you only trim off the tops, the petunias should have no problem regrowing. Petunias can also be pruned for shaping, or for removing old or dead flowers. When pruning, you should wait until the petunia starts to flower so you can see what you are cutting off.
Generally, trim petunias early to mid-season so they have plenty of time to rebloom.