Petunia is one of the most popular and unpretentious plants in the garden. During the flowering period, it is covered with delicate pink, white, lilac or two-colored petals. Intense sweet aroma envelops small bushes. Petunia is grown both in the open field and in pots and pots.
Planting seedlings
Planting petunias is carried out in seedlings. Seeds are prepared in February:
- Soak for a while and remove those that have surfaced.
- Etched with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
- Dry slightly.
- They are planted in a pre-moistened soil.
The planting is re-sprayed from a spray bottle. Lightly cover with a plate on top.
They create comfortable conditions for the appearance of seedlings:
- The temperature is maintained within the range of 22-25 ° C.
- The top of the pot is covered with polyethylene to create a greenhouse effect.
- Placed next to the heater.
- Every day, the film is raised, airing the planting. The first 4 days, the procedure is carried out within 5 minutes.
After the first seedlings appear, the film is removed, and the temperature is lowered to 20 ° C. As soon as 2 real leaves appeared on the plant, they dive into different containers. Weak seedlings are removed.
Petunia is transplanted into a flowerpot, as soon as it has grown stronger, the root system has completely filled the pot.
Potted petunia care
The plant will delight you with lush and long flowering, if you follow certain rules of agricultural technology.
Seedlings after transplantation are under severe stress and develop slowly. First of all, they build up the root system. The plant begins to bloom only 60 days after planting.
It is important to choose the right pot, since each variety has a unique root system.
For terry, a container with a volume of at least 3 liters is required. It is not recommended to plant several varieties at once in one flowerpot. Plants will grow slowly and bloom poorly due to insufficient space.
For bush and ampel varieties, a pot with a volume of 5 liters is selected.
For large varieties such as Typhoon or Tornado, at least 15 liters.
If the petunia is planted in a pot that is too tight, it will grow quickly and will not bloom. All her forces will be directed to the struggle for nutrients and light.
Proper watering is important for a flower. They do not allow the soil to dry out and moisture stagnation at the roots - optimal conditions for the appearance of fungal diseases.
Watering is carried out as soon as the topsoil has dried out. Use soft, warm, settled water.
Secrets of lush bloom
In order for petunia to please the eye with lush flowering, some growing conditions are observed:
- Timely pruning of wilted buds and leaves. In their place, new ones are formed.
- Stimulates profuse flowering by removing the seed bolls.
- If the plant actively grows green mass, but does not bloom at the same time, the whips are trimmed to it by 1/3 of the length. Then spill thoroughly with warm water.
- Application of complex fertilizers at least once every 21 days.
- Placing the pot in a well-lit place, closed from drafts and strong gusts of wind.
Petunia is a long flowering plant that starts in June and lasts until the end of November. As soon as the first frost occurs, the pot is brought into a dry, dark room, where the temperature does not exceed 10 ° C. Reduce watering. For petunia, a period of rest begins.
In February, the container is brought to a warm place. After 12 days, transplant into a fresh substrate. Petunia prefers light sandy loam soil. A small layer of drainage is poured onto the bottom of the pot. To do this, use expanded clay or crushed stone.
Petunia, with proper care, can please the eye both in the open field and in flowerpots or pots. They are used to decorate balconies and terraces.
Read also: Flowers for sowing and planting at the end of summer
Friends, do not forget to subscribe to the channel and LIKE if the article is useful!