How to care for terry petunia? Features and photo varieties
This plant, that is, petunia, has great advantages. Corrugated, rugged and lush petals, low and compact bushes of this plant are the hallmark of this type of petunias. Sometimes these plants reach one meter. The variety of its colors is almost endless.
It is very difficult to find the second same plant that will be simple and unpretentious in caring for itself and have such delicious buds as this type of petunia. Due to the variety of forms and colors of this plant, gardeners and gardeners use them most often to decorate various apartments or premises, in plantings, to decorate roads and paths. Belong to the Solanaceae family. Petunias come from Argentina.
From the article we learn what species there are in this plant, as well as how to collect seeds at home and can this be done?
Botanical Description and History
Terry petunia is an annual plant. The birthplace of petunia is a hot country in Brazil, where it was first found in 1793. The first hybrid varieties that appeared in the world were bred in 1834 in England.
Despite all its delights, terry petunia has relatives in South America. Petunia stems grow about 30 centimeters long, the flowering of the plant begins in the early days of summer and continues until the cold snap.
Reference! Terry petunia flowers come in white to purple colors.Types of plants: features and photos
Large flowered
To date, there is a wide variety of beautiful hybrid varieties of this plant.
- "Sonata" is a hybrid variety. Has large flowers. This variety of terry petunias is quite large and lush, as well as branched. The plant grows from 27 centimeters to 30 centimeters. It blooms strongly and for a long time, from the first days of summer to early autumn. The flowers of this plant are white and lush in nature. They rarely get sick and rarely have pests. They delight others with their beauty.
- "Pirouette" refers to a series of hybrids. The plant has large double flowers with lush petals. The color of flowers varies from pink to red, in diameter from 10 centimeters to 15 centimeters. A characteristic feature of this plant is large stems.
Other varieties of large-flowered petunia can be found here.
Valentine
A beautiful hybrid with solid flowers. This variety of petunia reaches a height of 25 centimeters to 30 centimeters. This plant has crimson flowers that grow in diameter from 9 centimeters to 10 centimeters. Flowering begins in early summer and continues until the first cold weather.. Perfect for decorating the garden.
This flower does not like shaded places, tolerates a long stay without moisture, the best soil is rich in nutrients. The seeds of this flower must be sown in late winter - early spring.
The container with the seeds planted is covered with glass and placed in a place where they will receive a sufficient amount of light. Sprouts will already appear in two to three weeks, subject to a temperature regime of 18 to 20 Celsius.
Double Cascade Blue
"Double Cascade" is a beautiful lush flower with undulating leaveswhich reach a diameter of 13 centimeters. Appearance is very similar to cloves. The color of the flowers is pink, lavender and lavender with streaks, and even dark blue. It grows from 35 centimeters to 38 centimeters. A characteristic feature of this species is flowering earlier than others for a month.
Where and how to plant her?
An important step in the cultivation of terry petunia is to grow it with seedlings. Begin the procedure for growing this plant is necessary at the end of winter or early spring.
Important! This method of planting is very good in that by the end of spring it will be possible to transplant to a regular location with either flowering bushes or petunia with flowers.It is also important to prepare the soil well for growing the plant. You can buy it in a store, or prepare it yourself in late autumn. It must be remembered that this soil is not simple. Its composition should include such components as: humus, sand and the soil itself. But it’s easier to buy it in the store ready-made.
Proper planting of petunias is a significant step, since the future of terry petunia depends on this. It is necessary to fill the container in which the seeds will grow with soil poured with hot water. Next, start sowing and cover with glass, put in a warm place.
Lighting and location
Terry petunia is very fond of warmth and light. The most favorable will be the windowsill or windows that overlook the south side. Petunias with large flowers love heat more than with small flowers that stop flowering at low temperatures. This plant can grow in any conditions, but the most favorable for it will be places with enough sunlight and fresh air.
How to care?
Watering the plant in winter should be less frequent than in summer. In summer, watering in the morning and evening. In the evening, instead of watering, you can simply spray the flower. It is necessary to water with settled water. A long stay of the plant without moisture or its abundance leads to plant diseases.
It is important to feed petunia on time. Top dressing should be carried out from two to three times a week after the plant is transplanted.
With improper care, terry petunia can be exposed to pests and diseases.
- Fungi or root rot. They appear due to a large amount of moisture in the soil or too heavy weight of the soil itself. The first sign of this disease is a darkening of the roots or their softening. In the fight against them, a fugnicide will help.
- Powdery mildew. Refers to fungal diseases. The first sign of infection is the appearance of a white coating on the plant. The reason is not observing the proper temperature and humidity conditions. Infected areas must be cut off, and healthy ones should be treated with sulfur.
- Aphid, spider mite and whitefly. In the fight against them, insecticides will come to the rescue.
Breeding
In order for the seeds to ripen, it will take a large amount of time from two to three months after they bloom. You need to collect seeds only when a shade of yellow appears on the fruit boxes.
Advice! The flowers located at the base are most suitable for planting material. They must be marked.Possible problems
The main problem that can occur when growing terry petunias is that the plant does not bloom. This can be caused by poor and poor quality care. For, for the plant to grow normally, proper care must be taken.
Petunias, in turn, are divided into two parts: large-flowered and multi-flowered. It depends on the size of the flowers on the plant of terry petunia. Absolutely all gardeners and gardeners can grow beautiful terry petunia and its various hybrid varieties. With their amazing buds during flowering, they will delight everyone with their beauty until the cold weather.
This type of petunia is undemanding in care. and will calmly tolerate both moisture and aridity. This plant is one of the best plant choices among gardeners and just lovers.