Petunias really making a mark

INTRIGUE: EACH FLOWER IS DIFFERENT IN SIZE, COLOURING

They can double up as indoor flower arrangements for a day before planting. Alice Spenser-Higgs

Petunias generally play second fiddle to pansies and violas in the winter garden, but that is changing.

There are three novelty petunias in the garden shops that are very hard to ignore.

The first of the speckled petunias, “Night Sky”, was introduced two years ago and it grabbed so much attention that two more have been introduced; pink and white speckled “Baby Doll” and a deep purple with white splashes called “Inksplash”.

What adds to the intrigue is that each flower is different, with the size and colouring depending on temperature and light. Cooler days and nights bring out the white on the petals, adding to the speckled look. The timing is perfect for Mother’s Day and the colours are so vivid that they can double-up as indoor flower arrangement for a day or two before being planted outdoors, in a pot, hanging basket or garden bed. Like so many of the new hybrids, these petunias suit smaller gardens because of their compact, neat growth (35cm high and wide). The medium-large flowers don’t spoil in wet weather and they are drought tolerant, too.

When is the best time to plant petunias?

They can be planted now and they will flower in autumn, through winter in sheltered gardens and subtropical regions, and will put

on their best show in spring.

What keeps petunias happy?

Plant Petunias in full sun or at least in a bed that receives morning sun. Feed weekly with a liquid fertiliser like Margaret Roberts Organic Supercharger or monthly with a granular fertiliser like Vigorosa. It is a strain on the plant to

produce flowers consistently and regular feeding significantly extends the flowering period.

This is especially important for petunias in containers and baskets.

Do not plant petunias in the same spot for two consecutive years, as they can be attacked by soil borne fungal diseases like Phytophtera, Pythium and Rhizoctonia.

When planting in containers, don’t use old potting soil, but wash out the container and fill with new potting soil. Old potting soil can carry disease and its micro and macro elements could have leached out with watering.

If plants get a bit scraggly, cut back and boost with Margaret Roberts Organic Supercharger.

What is the biggest killer of petunias?

Overwatering. Petunias can survive on less water that we think. Diseases like damping off are caused by overwatering.

Young plants are especially susceptible.

The plants go limp as if they need watering and the leaves tend to go a slight yellow.