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Petunias...

Mozza3Mozza3 Posts: 35
in Problem solving

Hi all,

i know they're not the most sophisticated or popular amongst proper gardeners, but I like to plant out petunias in hanging baskets, I find they're pretty much instant gratification, and look great from young till midlife.

I've noticed though that they seem to completely fall off a cliff as regards their look.  

Mine looked amazing last week, absolutely massive from only a few plants, but this week thstart all starting to look a bit straggly, and aren't producing many flowers.

I'm looking after them, water them every day, used good soil with a slow release feed, and try to pull the dead heads off, although I fall behind at this a bit.

is there any way I can keep them going another month?  It'd be nice to take them through August. I'm almost tempted to snip them right down?

Posts

  • XX Posts: 707

    Hi Mozza, mine looked fine last week as well but after a windy day they have been blown to bits and now look like a dogs dinner to be honest.  I'll keep deadheading as there are other things in the basket that are still going strong.  Just have to put up with it I think.

  • Mozza3Mozza3 Posts: 35

    Thanks!  Odd isn't it.  Do you pull the old flowers out or snip them off the stem?

    i was just out pulling the old ones out before, and there's so many, I got bored. 

    Ahh well, this is obviously the draw back!

  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,391

    Deadheading is crucial in my experience and you must remove the developing seed pod or they think they've done their bit and flowering stops.  I use a pair of small scissors to snip them off as secateurs are too awkward.

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • Tracey OakleyTracey Oakley Posts: 58

    Hi Mozza , I have been looking at some old Amateur Garden mags and came  across an article on petunia hanging baskets by Kris Collins -gardening Editor. He says to cut them back  to 15cm or so with a shears  ( , sounds harsh ) but according to him this will get them back into shape for a second flush.   This will take a few weeks ,but it will be worth it ( according to kris !) Oh , and he suggests a liquid feed after cutting back. Will be interesting to know if this works !

  • XX Posts: 707

    Hi Mozza, it depends on how battered each stem is to be honest.  Sometimes I just deadhead, sometimes cut the stems back a bit.

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