Petunia is a perennial plant, but in our country is grown like an annual. There are many varieties of it. They can be divided into large-flowered, small-flowered, dwarf and ampelous. Ampelic varieties are called, forming drooping long shoots. They look gorgeous in hanging flower pots.
So that the cultivation of
ampelous petunia does not cause disappointment and disappointment, you need to know what conditions for lush flowering it requires, and observe them. A well-lit sunny place is needed. The soil is preferably neutral or slightly acidic. Watering is plentiful, despite a branched
root system. These plants are famous "gluttons", they need regular feeding (every 10 days).
Petunias, depending on the variety, bloom in 70-90 days from germination. If you want to achieve early flowering, then sowing petunias should be carried out in February, however, seedlings will need additional lighting. March sowing does not need any additional illumination.
The cultivation of ampelous petunia begins with the purchase of quality seeds, preferably dragee seeds, in a special shell. For germination they need sunlight, a temperature of about 23 0 C and air humidity of 94-97%.
In a prepared container with a drainage hole, nutrient breathable soil is poured, moistened evenly from the spray gun. Gently distribute the seeds on the surface, slightly pressing them. The sowing container is placed in a transparent bag or covered with glass, placed in a bright, warm place. Crops are aired daily, removing condensate from the glass or turning the bag. When drying the soil - sprayed with water.
Shoots of petunias appear 7-14 days after sowing. After the first seed has sprouted, it is better to remove the bag (or glass), and you will have to carefully monitor the humidity. You can often spray or water very carefully, trying not to nail gentle seedlings to the soil (it is convenient to use a pipette). It is desirable to reduce the temperature to 18-20 0 C during the day, and at night to 14-16 0 C so that the seedlings do not stretch.
A pick of petunia is carried out when two real leaves appear in the sprouts. Seating in separate containers, the plants are buried to the rosette of leaves, the roots are directed down. When a 5-6 leaf appears, seedlings need to be nipped (to improve branching).
Growing ampelous petunia is a fascinating process, a little troublesome, requiring attention, especially in watering issues. With a lack of moisture, the sprouts can dry, and with an excess, they can rot the roots.
The first time, seedlings grow very slowly, at which time the root system grows. After the 5th week, the growth of the aerial part is accelerated. If the grown plants become crowded in small containers, and the time to plant in containers has not yet come, then it is advisable to transplant petunias into larger pots.
When planting grown, and possibly already blooming seedlings in containers or hanging pots, one should take into account the “appetites” of the plant. In a 5-liter flowerpot you can plant only 1 plant, in a 10-liter flowerpot - no more than 3, but better 2. If these recommendations are not followed, flowering will be short, because the plants simply do not have enough nutrition, despite feeding.
Growing ampelous petunia requires constant removal of faded flowers. This stimulates the appearance of new buds and improves the appearance of the plant.
If it is possible to grow a particularly beautiful variety and there is a desire to have the same for the next year, then you can save the mother liquor, and propagate it by cuttings in spring. Moreover, plants grown from cuttings will bloom much earlier than those obtained from seeds.