How does Petunia survive the winter?
This article introduces the common knowledge of petunia cultivation, focusing on how petunias can survive the winter. The following is an introduction by the editor for everyone.
Also known as Solanum crispum, petunia belongs to the Solanaceae family. The flowers of petunias are large, come in a variety of colors, and have diverse shapes, making them important potted and bedding plants. Petunias are native to South America, thrive in warm and sunny environments, are intolerant to cold, and fear waterlogging. The optimal growing temperature for petunias is between 13-18°C, while in winter, the temperature should be between 4-10°C. If it drops below 4°C, the plant's growth will cease, but it can withstand temperatures as low as -2°C.
During the winter, petunia flowers should be placed on a windowsill or in a well-lit area near a window. Ventilation is important, not only when first bringing them indoors but also throughout the winter. On sunny days at noon, it's advisable to open the windows to ventilate and exchange the air, which can reduce the occurrence of diseases and pests and is conducive to the robust growth of the plants. Sufficient light is a key factor in the growth of petunias, and ensuring adequate light is crucial for their winter survival.
After the onset of winter, as temperatures continue to drop, the metabolism of petunia flowers slows down, and their need for water and fertilizer is minimal. Therefore, watering and fertilizing can continue according to actual needs. Watering should always follow the principle of not watering unless the soil is dry and watering thoroughly when it is done. If the potting soil is not too dry, there is no need to water, as excessive watering can cause root rot, leaf drop, or result in the excessive growth of young branches, affecting future bud differentiation and reducing cold resistance. Water used for watering plants in winter must be sun-exposed to bring the water temperature close to room temperature before use. Watering should be done in the middle of the day or before; if done in the evening, the cold night can easily cause frost damage to the plant roots. Fertilization should be based on the growth condition, with an appropriate application of nitrogen fertilizer.
In winter, the indoor air is dry, and petunia flowers should be frequently sprayed with water at a temperature close to room temperature to clean the leaves, which helps photosynthesis. However, care should be taken not to increase the moisture in the pot to prevent root rot.
In winter, indoor potted plants are prone to pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and scale insects, which should be promptly controlled. Aphids should generally not be treated with cypermethrin spray, as it can easily cause phytotoxicity and affect growth.
The above shares the complete introduction on how petunias can survive the winter for everyone to learn and understand!