Extension
Date of this Version
1993
Abstract
This is a practical guide to sowing, transplanting and caring for petunias.
Petunias are a popular, reliable flowering ornamental plant for use in Nebraska landscapes. This versatile annual can be used in flower beds, hanging baskets, window boxes and other types of containers. They also can be used as cut flowers. The blossoms of petunias come in many colors with petal edges that are straight or ruffled.
Two general classes of petunias are Grandiflora and Multiflora. Grandiflora petunias are characterized by having fewer, but larger, showy flowers. A number of Grandifloras are cascade selections, well suited to growing in hanging baskets, window boxes and other types of planters. Multiflora petunias have a more compact growth habit and have smaller but more numerous blossoms. Multifloras generally withstand wind and hard rains better than the Grandiflora types.
Both Grandiflora and Multiflora types may have single flowers, having one set of petals on each flower, or double with multiple sets of petals on each flower.
Comments
© 1993, The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska on behalf of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension. All rights reserved.