Petunia is the queen of balconies, flower beds and hanging baskets. Many are afraid to sow it themselves, thinking that without ideal light, a greenhouse or a phytolamp, nothing will come of it. But in fact, petunia is one of the most low-maintenance garden plants if you start it right. And you are not late, even if February is already in full swing. The main thing is not ideal conditions, but a simple and precise approach.
Sow in regular neutral soil for flowers or prepare a mixture of garden soil, humus and sand. Petunia does not like sour peat, especially at the beginning of growth. Water the soil well with warm water an hour before sowing; it should be moist but not wet.
Petunia seeds are microscopic and require light to germinate. Just scatter them over the surface of the damp soil, do not bury them or cover them with soil. Press lightly with your finger or lightly spray with a spray bottle to help the seeds stick. Cover the container with a transparent lid or film. This will create a mini greenhouse.
For the first days, keep the crops in a warm place at 22–25°C. Light is not important yet, the main thing is warmth. Ventilate the shelter once or twice a day to prevent mold from appearing. Shoots will appear in 4–7 days.
As soon as the first shoots appear, immediately remove the cover. Place the container on the brightest windowsill. If there is not enough light, turn on a regular lamp for 2-3 hours in the morning and evening; a phytolamp is not necessary. Water only through the tray to avoid causing “blackleg,” a fungal disease that often kills seedlings. 2-3 weeks after germination, transplant the seedlings into separate 200 ml cups.
The most important point is pinching. When the plant has 4-5 true leaves, carefully pinch the top. This will cause the petunia to grow outward rather than upward. Repeat pinching again after 3-4 weeks. Thanks to this, by the time you plant in the ground, you will have powerful, branched seedlings, ready to bloom all summer.
Petunia does not require sterile conditions, is not afraid of modest care and grows well even in disposable cups. It forgives the lack of light if you pinch it in time, and does not need expensive lamps. Even if you sowed in February and you have a northern windowsill, petunia will thank you with lush flowering.
Question and answer:
Do I need to soak petunia seeds before sowing?
No. Granulated seeds are sown dry. Regular ones are possible, but not necessary.
Is it necessary to pick petunia?
Yes. This strengthens the roots and stimulates branching. Pick when there are 2-3 true leaves.
How to make petunia lush?
Pinch the top twice: the first time when there are 4-5 leaves, the second time after 3-4 weeks.
