When do petunias bloom?
This article provides a detailed explanation of when petunias bloom and shares some experience about green plant maintenance concerning petunia blooming period management. It's some great knowledge worth collecting!
Petunias, known as Bitongqie in Chinese, are also called dwarf petunias, dwarf trumpets, and shuttlecock flowers. The blooming period of petunias usually occurs from April to October, with an annual blooming period of up to three months. Good maintenance during the blooming period can promote more flowers and a longer blooming time. Although petunias resemble morning glories, they are not even in the same order in terms of kinship. There are many varieties of petunias, and different varieties have different flower colors and shapes. Below is an introduction to the blooming period management of petunias.
1. Proper watering
Overly moist potting soil can cause the plant to grow excessively, and excessive rainfall during the blooming period can fade the flower colors. If it rains during the blooming period, it is important to prevent the flowers from getting wet, and the amount of water should be determined based on the dryness of the soil. Therefore, it is essential to avoid waterlogging during the blooming period, as it can shorten the blooming period and cause root rot.
The amount of water should be moderate, keeping the soil slightly moist. Watering during the blooming period should be done when the soil is dry, and it should be watered thoroughly, avoiding getting water on the flowers. It's best to water in the morning, avoiding the evening.
2. Sufficient sunlight
After sowing, petunias can bloom in about 100 to 150 days. If sown in autumn or winter, they can produce flower buds in spring. Petunias are long-day plants, and adequate sunlight can promote bud formation, resulting in more flowers. Insufficient sunlight can cause excessive growth of stems and leaves and dull flower colors.
Sunlight exposure should be maintained at about 12 hours. If sunlight conditions are poor, artificial lighting can be added, and shading is necessary in summer to prevent exposure to direct sunlight.
3. Proper fertilization
The blooming period of petunias also requires regular fertilization, with fertilization every 10 to 12 days. During the bud formation stage, additional phosphorus fertilizer should be applied to ensure more flowers and brighter colors. Fertilizer should not come into contact with the roots and can be sprayed on the leaves after dilution. During the summer blooming period, fertilization should not be done at noon, but rather in the early morning or evening.
After the blooming period, additional fertilization is also needed, such as applying a diluted solution of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, to help the plants better survive the winter.
4. Pruning
If the flower buds are small after forming, they should be removed to promote new bud formation. After flowering, it is important to prune the spent flowers and yellowing leaves. After flowering, you can also cut off one-third of the top of the plant to promote new flower bud formation, which will result in blooming again soon, extending the blooming period and increasing the number of flowers.
If seeds are not needed for sowing after the flowers have faded, it is also important to prune the spent flowers and shorten the branches.
The above information about when petunias bloom and the methods for managing the blooming period of petunias can serve as a reference for everyone.