With the right care, petunias inspire with their strong blooming power. We show what you should consider when caring for and overwintering petunias.
Petunias (Petunia) are among the most popular bedding and balcony plants. This popularity can not only be explained by the enormous variety of the different varieties in terms of flower color and shape. The flower is also easy to care for and can be very resistant to diseases and pests. In this article we have put together a few valuable tips for caring for and overwintering petunias so that you can enjoy the colorful flowers every year from the beginning of June until the first frost.
Petunia care
Petunias are undemanding companions. But even with these natural beauties, the right care decides whether the plants will achieve their best optical performance.
Watering Petunias
Petunias not only need lots of sunshine, but also lots of water to thrive. In particular, due to the special demands on the properties of the irrigation water, there are a few things to consider when watering petunias: The plants are generally quite tolerant of short-term drought. They should always be watered from below so that the leaves do not stick together due to the glandular hairs on them. If the water from the tap is too hard, it helps to boil it for a few minutes before watering. The minerals that make the water hard are precipitated. However, the water must be cooled down to room temperature before pouring.
Note: Iron availability is best for plants in acidic soil with a soil pH of 4.5. Availability decreases with increasing pH. Hard water increases the value in the root area of the petunia due to the minerals it contains, which is why you should rather water it with soft water. If necessary, a liquid iron fertilizer can be used.
How to water petunias correctly?
- Water a lot, but avoid waterlogging
- Pour from below
- Soft Lineor use rainwater
Fertilize petunias
To grow vigorously and produce lots of flowers, petunias need plenty of nutrients from the soil. With needs-based fertilization, you can support your darlings in their development and enjoy lush flowers throughout the year. In order to ensure perfect starting conditions, it is best to add rich compost or potting soil to the planting hole when planting. In addition, it makes sense to work in a fertilizer with an organic long-term effect - such as our Plantura organic flower fertilizer. This ensures an optimal start at the new location and provides the plant with all the important nutrients.
For more information on fertilizing petunias, see our dedicated article on the subject.
Pruning Petunias
Withered inflorescences should be cleaned regularly to avoid mold growth. Also, removing it will lengthen the flowering phase by preventing the formation of seed pods. Your petunias can then use the saved energy to form new flowers and shoots. If you want to overwinter your petunias, perform a radical pruning of the shoots to about 15 centimeters before and after overwintering.
Overwintering petunias: what to look out for
Most commercially available petunias are annuals. They bloom in the most beautiful colors from June until the first frost, but after a year in the spotlight they usually disappear into the depths of the dustbin. However, if you don't feel like dying of your finest specimens, or would rather invest your money in something other than new petunias next year, you can get your plants through the winter without too much hassle. Incidentally, this works particularly well with the petunias from the 'Sufinia' series.
Preparing Petunias for Winter
However, without much effort does not mean without effort. In order for your petunias to overwinter successfully, you should move them to a suitable winter quarters before the first frost (September/October). In addition, you should shorten all unwoody shoots to a length of about 15 centimeters.
Caring for Petunias During Winter
Even during the rest phase in winter,some aspects to consider in the care of petunias. It is best to overwinter your petunias in a bright, cool room at around 5 to 10 °C. The optimal location should also be protected from drafts and dry heating air. You only have to water a little during the hibernation. However, the petunias should not dry out completely. Fertilization is not necessary over the winter, but you should regularly check the plants for pest infestation - such as aphids (Aphidoidea) - so that you can react quickly if necessary.
Petunias after winter
After a pleasant hibernation, the petunias can't go outside again immediately. Cut back the new shoots again in spring to encourage new growth and to achieve better branching of the shoots. From February/March you can then start acclimatizing the plant and watering it more heavily. At night and on cold days, however, it is better to put your petunias back on the warm window sill. Also, now is the best time to repot. To do this, remove the old substrate generously from the roots and place the plant in lukewarm water for about 15 minutes. Then select a sufficiently large planter and fill it with fresh, nutrient-rich substrate before replanting your petunia. When there is no longer any danger of frost, you can plant your petunias outside again from mid-May.
Tip: If you want to enjoy lots of new petunias or simply don't have space to overwinter the plants, collect the seeds of the sun-loving flowers in autumn. We have compiled for you here how the propagation of petunias by seeds works.