HOW TO GROW PETUNIA FROM SEED

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Petunia is genus of 35 species of flowering plants of South American origin belonging to the family Solanaceae, closely related to the tobacco plant, tomatoes, deadly nightshades, potatoes and chili peppers. 

Petunias are summer, heat-loving plants and so are ideal summer bedding plants.  Rather than buy them from a garden centre you can grow them easily from seed and get a choice of many more varieties . Petunias can be sown in early spring, ready for planting out in May for a summer display. 

Fill a seed tray with seed and potting compost.  Sow the seeds thinly on the surface of the soil and thinly cover with vermiculite.  Gently water, cover with clear plastic to retain moisture and place in a warm, sunny position with a temperature of between 15-18C.  The seedlings will germinate in 14-21 days. 

Petunias prefer low humidity, full sun and moist, rich soil that is well drained. Keep the temperature consistent and water as required, as high temperatures and fluctuating moisture levels are the most likely causes of failure.

Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and place the into 9 cm pots filled with seed and potting compost.  Plant your seedlings into your garden 8-10 weeks after sowing, but remember to harden off  the plants in a cold frame prior to planting in their final position.

How to grow petunias from seed

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