As a petunia, I experience summer not as a calendar event, but as an intense period of growth, flowering, and survival. To help me thrive and put on my most spectacular show for you, here is a care schedule from my perspective.
My roots are shallow and my foliage is dense, meaning I lose moisture rapidly under the summer sun. Consistent moisture is the single most important factor for my well-being. Please check my soil daily; if the top inch feels dry to your touch, it is time for a deep, thorough watering. Water me slowly at the base in the early morning. This allows my roots to drink their fill before the heat of the day and ensures my leaves dry quickly, preventing fungal diseases. Avoid evening watering, as damp foliage overnight invites trouble. In containers, I will likely need watering twice a day during extreme heat waves.
Flowering is an energy-intensive process. To support the constant production of new blooms, I require regular nourishment. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer applied every two weeks is ideal. Alternatively, a slow-release fertilizer mixed into my soil at planting can provide a steady supply of nutrients. I particularly appreciate a fertilizer higher in phosphorus (the middle number on the bottle) to promote prolific blooming. If my leaves begin to yellow or my flowering slows, it is a clear sign I am hungry and need a nutrient boost.
My natural cycle is to flower, set seed, and then cease blooming. You can interrupt this cycle through a process you call "deadheading." Regularly remove my spent, faded flowers by pinching them off at the stem just behind the bloom. This tells me that my attempt to reproduce has failed, and I should redirect my energy into producing more flowers instead of seeds. Mid-summer, if I begin to look leggy with long stems and fewer flowers, do not be afraid to give me a more significant trim. Cutting me back by one-third to one-half will encourage a flush of new, bushier growth and a rejuvenated bloom cycle.
The warm, humid conditions of summer can create challenges. Please inspect my leaves regularly, both top and underside. Aphids might try to sip my sap, and budworms might chew on my precious buds. A strong spray of water can dislodge small pests, but I may need insecticidal soap for larger infestations. Ensure I have good air circulation around my foliage to discourage powdery mildew. If you see spotted or mildewed leaves, remove them promptly to prevent the spread.
I am a sun-worshipper and require a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily to perform at my best. However, in regions with intensely hot afternoon sun, I will appreciate some light afternoon shade to prevent wilting and scorching of my petals. Ensure I am planted in well-draining soil; my roots despise sitting in waterlogged conditions, which will lead to rot. A layer of mulch around my base can help conserve moisture and keep my root zone cool during the hottest parts of the day.
