How to Keep Petunias Looking Their Best In Hanging Baskets
Petunias are a popular choice for gardeners due to their wide range of colours and their ability to thrive in hot and dry conditions. They are particularly well-suited for use in hanging baskets, where they can provide season-long blooms of colour if properly cared for. However, keeping petunias looking their best can be a challenge, especially as they are fast-growing and can become leggy if not pruned regularly.
In this article, you will learn how to keep petunias in hanging baskets looking their best. The article will cover a range of topics, including selecting good petunia varieties, watering techniques, pruning and feeding, and pest control. By following these tips, gardeners can ensure that their petunias remain healthy and vibrant throughout the growing season.
Key Tips
- Start with good petunia varieties
- Water a little less often
- Cut them back, feed them, and treat them for pests when necessary
Start With Quality Petunia Varieties
To ensure that your petunias thrive, it is important to choose the right variety for your needs. While it may be tempting to opt for the bargain shelf (I’ve done this many times), investing a little more in a Wave or Supertunia variety can make a significant difference in performance. These varieties require less maintenance and do not need deadheading or pinching to maintain their appearance for a long time.
On the other hand, if you are looking to fill a pot for a short period, the cheaper varieties can also do a great job, but will require more maintenance. By selecting the right variety, you can ensure that your petunias will flourish and provide a beautiful display for your garden or patio.
Water a Little Less Often
Petunias in hanging baskets are a common sight in gardens. However, many gardeners often wonder how often they should water them. The best practice is to let the soil dry out a bit before watering. Skipping a day or two, depending on the weather, is acceptable.
In fact, allowing the petunias to go past the droopy stage before watering can revive their blooming habits. It is crucial to pot the hanging baskets and containers with well-draining potting soil or any other medium. This ensures that the roots do not sit in water for an extended period, allowing for a deep watering without any worries.
Cut Them Back
Regular pruning is crucial for maintaining the health and appearance of petunias in hanging baskets. Although it can be daunting for some gardeners to cut back their plants, it is essential to promote new growth and ensure that the plant remains full and lush.
Pinching the ends of the stems is a simple and effective method to encourage new growth in petunias. Use gloves as they can be a bit sticky.
Additionally, cutting back the branches to approximately 4 inches or a third of the plant’s stem length is recommended, particularly in early summer. Waiting too long to prune can result in petunias becoming too leggy, with no leaves on the stem, making it challenging for them to recover.
Pruning can be done at any time during the growing season, but it is best to avoid waiting until the plant has become overgrown. By regularly pruning petunias, gardeners can ensure that their plants remain healthy and vibrant, producing a profusion of blooms throughout the growing season.
Feed Them
Petunias require a lot of sunlight and nutrients to bloom well. Using a slow-release fertilizer is important for their long-term health or a weekly liquid fertilizer will make a noticeable difference in their appearance. Try and use organic fertiliser if you can. Keeping a regular schedule of feeding will ensure that the petunias continue to look good.
Treat Them for Pests
Petunias can be susceptible to damage from various pests such as caterpillars, aphids, snails, and earwigs. To prevent damage to your plants, it is advisable to treat them before any pest infestation occurs.
Pesticides To Use
Bacillus Thuringiensis is a naturally occurring bacteria that is effective in protecting petunias against caterpillars. Commercial products like Thuricide contain this bacteria and are readily available in the market. The bacteria affects the digestive system of the caterpillar and is safe for bees, other beneficial insects, and petunias.
Insecticidal soap or neem oil is recommended for treating other pests like aphids and mites without causing any harm to petunias. These products are effective in controlling pests and can be easily found in the market.
Using these pesticides will help prevent pest infestations and keep your petunias healthy and beautiful.
When The Growing Gets Tough
Petunias are a great addition to any garden, but they may struggle during the hottest part of the summer. If possible, move them to a part-shade area during this time to help them cope. However, once this period is over, they will experience a new growth spurt, resulting in another wave of blooming through the end of the season.
To keep petunias looking great all season long, a little extra care is needed. Try some of these tips to bring them back to their former glory:
- Deadhead regularly to promote new growth and blooming
- Fertilize every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer
- Water deeply and regularly, but avoid overwatering
- Provide support for taller varieties to prevent them from flopping over
By following these tips, gardeners can ensure that their petunias thrive and bloom beautifully all season long, even during the toughest growing conditions.