Petunias ( Petunia spp . ) are one of the most democratic bedding plants in America . Widely used in landscapes and hanging baskets , they are easy to grow and low maintenance . With blossoms in every colour except black and brown , they pull in hummingbirds and butterflies . Typically grown as annuals , petuniasare only wintertime hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness geographical zone 10 and 11 . While they have minimal issues with disease and pest , several potential issues can make a fearless petunia to die .
Basic Problems
Too Much Shade
Petunias demand a minimal offive to six hoursof full sunlight each day . They perform best withall day sun . When placed in a black or shady location , they check blooming , and leave of absence turn yellow .
Poor Drainage
While they do not require a significant amount of piddle , petunias can not stay healthy without good drainage . Ensure the land is a loamy consistency thatdrains well . container and hanging planters should have at least four drainpipe holes . Petunias in flow planter must be monitored closely to avoid the soil from becoming overly wry . scout and water more often if necessary .
If the soil around your petunias is not draining or is corpse - like , you will need to amend the land to save up your plant . Add sphagnum moss to the grunge using a proportion of 50 percentage moss to 50 pct soil . fuse thoroughly and replant your petunias .
Petunias are resistant of poor stain condition , drouth and heat , but there are some basic requirements that , when leave unmet , will lead to job .
Fungus
If your petunias receive enough sunlight and have well - drain soil and symptom of wilt , decline or dropping parting persist , a fungus may be to blame . Phytophthora top rotandBotrytis fungusare twocommon microbesthat favor Petunia . Both can be eradicate with the use of a fungicide . Look for a product pronounce " * * systemic fungicide for ornamental plants . " * *
Mix 4 drops of smooth fungicide dressed ore to 1 congius of water . Spray leaf on both the front and backside of each leaf . Spray all stems down to the soil line . souse the dirt with the fungicide salmagundi down to the origin zone . In 24 hours , apply a ½ inch of water to grime . A 2nd fungicide program to foliage and soil can be duplicate in six weeks if necessary .
Warning
When applying the fungicide , wear a long - sleeved shirt , long pants , eye protection and baseball mitt . lave your hired man after using and keep children and pets out of the arena until the product thoroughly dries .
Can My Petunia Be Saved?
If your petunia went without water for some time and the base and leaves depend dead , the radical may still be alive . Remove the dead leaves and swerve the stems down to 4 inches above the soil . sparge the soil with a12 - 4 - 8all - purpose continuous going plant food . As a general guidepost , use 3 tablespoons for a 12 - in container or a 12 - column inch - wide circumference under a plant , but watch label counseling . Do not allow plant food granules to touch the shank , and water thoroughly after app . Water as needed to keep the origin zona moist . If the roots are workable , novel growth will appear within one to two weeks .
If symptom of disease are affecting the stems of your petunia plant or affecting more than half the industrial plant ’s foliage , it is unlikely your petunia can recover . trouble pass in the stem or broadcast en masse shot over the plant indicate a systemic infection . Destroy the plant and the soil before other plant life are infect . Do not reprocess the land or impart the plant life to a compost raft .
Disinfect gardening tools and planting container with 70 percent rub alcoholic drink . Soak or drench your tools and containers for 30 seconds and rent atmosphere dry . Do not rinse .
