The timing of sowing petunia will depend on the region in which you live. I live in the middle lane and plant plants in open ground in the middle or end of May. For the southern regions, these dates are postponed a month earlier. Accordingly, for the northern ones they will move a month ahead - the middle or the end of June.
I also always pay attention to the petunia variety - each has its own growing season:
- Bush multiflorous bloom 10-11 weeks after sowing.
- Ampel and cascade - in 12-15 weeks.
I plant seedlings in the ground a week before flowering.
In order to choose the right sowing time, I recommend subtracting the number of weeks the selected variety needs for development from the date of planting the seedlings in the ground. We also take time for the seeds to germinate.
I have sowing begins in mid-February. Before planting, I advise you to decide on the choice of seeds. They can be regular and coated. The latter are much easier to work with, I prefer to take them.
Each seed is in a special shell, which may include nutrients, growth stimulants, microelements. Protective substances against fungal diseases are sometimes added.
Such a seed resembles a ball in shape. It is convenient to plant, it is not lost against the background of the soil. What can not be said about ordinary seeds, they are so small.
Soil preparation and containers
I use a small container for petunia seedlings. It could be a cake box. I thoroughly wash it and disinfect it with potassium permanganate.
It is convenient if the container is with a lid. In its absence, I use cling film.
I prepare the soil myself. I mix in equal parts garden soddy soil with purchased peat. I add a little ash and 1/10 of the total volume of vermiculite.
The resulting soil is calcined in the oven.
After that, I spill it with the Baikal biological product to restore the balance of beneficial microorganisms that die under the influence of high temperatures.
There is another way to disinfect the soil. It seemed to me easier, and now I use it mainly. I spill the soil with "Fitosporin" or "Gliocladin". Then I let the soil stand for two days and proceed to sowing.
If you decide to use purchased ready-made soil, make sure that it is loose and neutral in acidity.
Sowing seeds
- I make small indentations in the soil with my fingertip at a distance of 2-3 cm.
- I moisten the soil from the spray gun with warm, settled water.
- I place each seed in the hole with a toothpick.
- I don’t fall asleep with earth from above!
- I close the container with a lid or film to create a greenhouse effect.
- I put it in a warm room with a temperature of + 22... + 25 ° С.
- Once a day I open, ventilate, remove the accumulated condensate on the lid.
- I water from a pipette or from a syringe, I do not allow the soil to dry out or excessive moisture.
- Shoots appear on the 5-10th day.
I carry out airing to harden future seedlings. I start with 10 minutes a day, adding 30 minutes each time. After a couple of weeks, I completely remove the lid or film.
A petunia needs at least 10 hours of light. For illumination in the evening and in cloudy weather, I use special lamps.
Small shoots can be damaged by direct sunlight. Therefore, the window is slightly shaded.
Three weeks after the first shoots, true leaves will appear on the plants. I start picking petunias into separate pots. I remove each bush from the soil with a teaspoon so that the earth remains on the root. I do not advise using disposable cups for transplanting - the root system of flowers develops better in the dark. I deepen the bushes by cotyledon leaves.
I begin to accustom seedlings to the sun after the appearance of new leaves.
Throughout the growing season, seedlings are watered and fed.
I would be glad if you also share your tricks for growing these beautiful flowers.
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