How to Grow a Wave Petunia

Overview

The Wave petunia is a trademarked cultivar of the annual petunia created for the purpose of spreading out in garden beds or flowing over the sides of containers with massive amounts of blooms. Unlike basic petunia, the Wave (TM) varieties need no pruning or deadheading to look great through the whole growing season. The Wave (TM) petunia is a great choice for the gardener looking for a low-maintenance plant that shows off in a sunny location.

Step 1

Cut down with a hand trowel into an area of your garden bed that is away from decaying plant matter such as leaves or dead plants. Remove a 3-inch sample of soil and store it in a clean, plastic container.

Step 2

Take your sample to your local cooperative extension office or full-service garden center for a free pH test. The test will tell you the acidity level of your soil as well as any mineral/nutrient deficiencies. Purchase the recommended soil amendments--compost, manure, peat moss, sand or slow-release fertilizer--to make your soil nutrient rich and well draining.

Step 3

Amend the soil in your garden bed with the recommended material, turning it over with a garden spade until the ingredients are well mixed and the soil is a powdery consistency 6 inches deep. This is standard preparation for any type of gardening in the spring if you desire the best results.

Step 4

Plant seedlings in full sun per the instructions on the packaging. Wave petunias generally spread about 3 or 4 feet when used in garden beds, and spacing requirements will depend on your purchased plant's size. Wave (TM) petunias will grow between 4 to 6 inches in height, making them perfect for ground covers or borders.

Step 5

Water Wave (TM) petunias on a regular basis. They grow best in well-draining soil that is not allowed to dry out completely. Fertilize with a liquid or slow-release fertilizer every 10 to 14 days to keep them well-fed.