Petunias and How I Accomplished This Abundance

Petunias they say, easy to grow, and I would have to agree with them.  This is a picture of one of these Petunia plants I grew at least a couple of years back. Now if I go with the same logic I used this year, I bought a flat full of certain colours of Petunias, just tiny individual plants.

I am a haphazard person when it comes to growing flowers, I don't put a lot of science behind it. I make sure I have some fresh soil and a bit of fertilizer and then I water them in well after planting. 

One thing, next time I do this I must remember to loosen up the roots of the starter plant better, I saw when I pulled them out this year some where still in the same conical shape. Regardless the plants as a group still did very well. 

As my petunias grow throughout the summer I do have a habit at taking a look daily and pinching off any of the dead blossoms, even if a branch of the plant is not doing well I will pinch that off as well. Why do I grow them as I do, well for the look of them, for the bees and all other creatures that like flowers and depend on them for their life. I love to see them looking pretty, I do grow more than just petunias as well, on a side note I find the petunias do better, for me, if they don't have full sun all day, mine get the later sun of the day, after noon and on, they do get at least a few hours, but they are not getting backed all day.

I'm in the Okotoks area, if you have any ideas on other plants that are easy to maintain in this area let me know. 
 

How to Keep Your Petunias Thriving All Summer Long

Petunias are an Easy to Grow and Care for Flowering Plant

Start your petunia journey by purchasing small, already-started plants from your local greenhouse. These young plants offer a head start, making it easier to enjoy vibrant blooms throughout the season. Opt for a variety of colors to create stunning mixed displays in large planters, a perfect way to showcase their beauty.

Once home, choose large planters with good drainage to accommodate your mix-and-match approach. Fill them with a high-quality potting mix enriched with compost or slow-release fertilizer. Plant the petunias about 12 inches apart, gently loosening their roots before placing them in the soil. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the roots.

To keep these beauties going, place the planters in a spot with full sun, ideally 6-8 hours daily, as petunias thrive in bright conditions. Water consistently, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged—check daily, especially during hot weather, and water when the top inch feels dry. Deadhead spent blooms weekly by pinching them off to encourage new flowers and prevent seed production, ensuring a continuous display.

Feed your petunias every 1-2 weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) to boost growth and color. Trim leggy stems by about one-third in mid-summer to promote bushiness and fresh blooms. Watch for pests like aphids or spider mites, and rinse them off with a gentle water spray if spotted.

With this simple care routine, your colourful petunias will flourish from June through September, adding charm to your outdoor space all summer long.