How to Make Petunias Last

Overview

Petunias are hardy annuals, favorites of gardeners for their long blooming season, beautiful colors and ease of growing. Whether in containers, growing along borders or weaving around rock gardens, petunias need minimal care for maximal results from spring to late summer.

Step 1

Deadhead petunias as blooms droop. Once the plants seed, they will propagate for the next season. If you never let the plant get to the seeding stage, you will prolong the bloom time and force the plant to expend its energy on more and more blooms. Deadhead by pinching at the base of the bloom and pulling gently until the flower releases.

Step 2

Fertilize regularly using a balanced ratio fertilizer through the whole season.

Step 3

Prune in mid-summer once shoots get long and stringy-looking. New growth will come in bushier and produce a new round of first blooms. Use sharp scissors or gardening shears to prune with one quick snip about 1 to 2 inches from the base of the plant. Water and fertilize immediately after pruning.