How to Care for Petunias in Bloom

Overview

The petunia is a flowering annual with hundreds of varieties from which to choose. There are two main classes of petunias: Grandiflora and multiflora. If you are looking for a petunia to plant in a hanging basket, the grandiflora will suit that purpose. Multiflora petunias have smaller flowers, but they bloom more profusely than the grandiflora. These are the types you want to plant in the flower bed. The petunia is an easy plant to grow and provides your garden with lots of color all summer long.

Step 1

Give your petunia a good deal of sunshine, at least five hours a day. Although it will grow in partial shade, it won't flower as well as when it receives plenty of sun. It will also enjoy somewhat warm temperatures, but it will cease blooming in extreme heat.

Step 2

Water depending upon the type of petunia that you have. The spreading type require a more frequent soaking, possibly every other day, depending on the weather. Otherwise, watering deeply once a week is sufficient. Soak the planting bed well so that the top 6 to 8 inches of soil is wet.

Step 3

Feed the petunia with a liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) every two to three weeks.

Step 4

Pinch petunias back frequently to encourage new blooms. se hand pruning shears to cut them back and remove dead and dying flowers, especially when they start to get "leggy," with long, bare branches sticking out all over.