How many petunias can you plant in a hanging basket?
How many petunias are in one hanging basket? It depends on how big the basket is and the mature size of the plants. For a 12-14 inch basket, use 4-6 starter plants in 4-inch pots. You could also use million bells (Calibrachoa) or trailing petunias (Surfinia). You can have all the same or a complete mix. Some people like a colour scheme but I prefer to have a riot of cheerful colour. I recommend three trailing plants for a 12” basket, four for a 14” basket and six for a 16” basket.
What are the downsides of petunias?
The dark downside to most of these attractive, tough plants is that they grow out of control, overtaking desirable plants. Invasive Mexican petunias form large, horizontal roots that grow above and below ground, making them difficult to remove, and even small pieces that are overlooked can regrow. Petunias tolerate lots of heat, and are relatively undemanding when it comes to water. Except for spreading types, which require frequent watering, thorough watering once a week should be sufficient in all but the worst weather.As long as you properly care for your petunias they’ll bloom from planting to hard frost. In very cold areas, their growing season may only be 12 weeks, but in warmer areas, they can last two or three times as long. Learn more about petunia care in this in-depth guide.Most petunias enjoy full sun except in the very hottest climates and many will also tolerate partial shade. Like most plants in a container, petunias need water, but not too much. When over-watered petunias will quit producing as many flowers and stems will grow spindly.It’s much better to buy fresh petunias each year. However, you can propagate petunias by taking softwood cuttings from new growth in late summer. Pot the cuttings individually into small pots and keep on a windowsill indoors for winter.
What should you not plant next to petunias?
Avoid pairing them with plants that have vastly different growing needs. For example, shade-loving plants like impatiens and begonias will languish in the full sun needed for petunias. If your Supertunia Petunias are not receiving enough sunlight, they will not grow as much as they should. This is because they need the sun’s nutrients to produce more flowers, since growing requires a lot of energy. Thus, it is extremely important for them to be planted in full sun.Supertunia aka Petunia. GROWER HINTS: ►These petunias are all special hybrids. Extremely vigorous and fast growing, they can grow to 4 feet in length in one year.