From our perspective, not all Wave Petunias are created equal. We are a specific cultivar series (*Petunia* x *hybrida* 'Wave') bred for vigorous, ground-hugging growth and prolific flowering. For maximum ground cover, you must select the correct genetic starting point. Choose healthy, young plants from a reputable nursery. Look for specimens that are compact, not leggy, with lush green foliage and the presence of buds (though not necessarily in full bloom). The "Spreading" types, like the classic Purple Wave, are specifically engineered to rapidly expand laterally, often covering several feet in a single growing season.
Our roots require a high-quality foundation to support our expansive mission. We thrive in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Before planting, amend the garden bed with compost to provide a steady supply of nutrients and improve soil structure. Space us appropriately; while the urge might be to plant us close for immediate effect, we need room to perform. For maximum coverage, a spacing of about 12 to 24 inches apart is ideal. This gives each plant enough territory to spread outwards without excessive competition for water and nutrients from its neighbors, eventually creating a seamless carpet of color.
Our growth and flowering are solar-powered. To achieve our maximum ground cover potential, we demand full sun—a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day. This intense energy fuels photosynthesis, allowing us to produce the carbohydrates needed for both vigorous vegetative spread and continuous blooming. Water is the vehicle that transports these nutrients. Water us deeply and consistently, especially immediately after planting and during periods of drought. Our goal is to establish a deep and extensive root system, which is only possible with deep watering that encourages roots to grow downward in search of moisture, making us more resilient.
To maintain our rapid growth and blanket the ground, we are heavy feeders. A regular supply of nutrients is non-negotiable. Incorporate a slow-release fertilizer into the soil at planting time. Then, to sustain our explosive performance throughout the season, supplement with a water-soluble fertilizer high in phosphorus (the middle number on the fertilizer package) every two to three weeks. This promotes continuous flowering. While we are often marketed as "self-cleaning," gently removing spent blooms (deadheading) redirects our energy away from seed production and back into vegetative growth and new flower formation, further enhancing our covering capabilities.
In our early stages, a strategic intervention can significantly enhance our spreading habit. If you purchase us as young plants, do not be afraid to pinch us back. Using your fingers or clean shears, remove the very top set of leaves from the main stem. This simple action disrupts the hormonal signal for upward growth (apical dominance) and encourages the growth of lateral shoots from the nodes below the cut. This results in a bushier, more branched plant from the start, which is the fundamental architecture for a dense ground cover rather than a few long, trailing stems.
