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Plant Profiles / Petunia
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Petunia
Petunia × atkinsiana (syn. P. × hybrida) · Garden petunia
A classic flowering annual with trumpet-shaped blooms in nearly every colour. Spills beautifully from pots, window boxes and hanging baskets all summer.
Full sunLight
Daily in heatWater
EasyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun
ShadeFull sun
At least 6 hours of sun.
Water
Daily in heat
DryWet
Pots dry quickly; water when the top 2 cm is dry.
Humidity
Low to average
LowHigh
Adaptable.
Temperature
10–35°C (50–95°F)
CoolWarm
Frost tender; grown as an annual.
Growth
Fast, mounding or trailing
SlowFast
Grows 20–40 cm, trails to 1 m.
Soil
Quality potting mix
LeanRich
Free-draining mix with slow-release fertiliser.
Fertiliser
Weekly
RarelyOften
Liquid flowering fertiliser every week.
Pet safety
Non-toxic
SafeToxic
Non-toxic to cats and dogs.
About this plant
Petunias descend from South American species. Modern trailing types like Supertunia and Wave flower non-stop with little deadheading. They love sun and regular feeding.
Best spots
Sunny balcony pots, window boxes, hanging baskets and railing planters.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Petunia × atkinsiana (syn. P. × hybrida) |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Origin | South America (parents) |
| Plant type | Annual |
| Mature size | 20–40 cm |
| Growth rate | Fast |
| Flowers | Trumpets in many colours |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Seed or cuttings |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Plant
Flowering
Trim back
Fertilise
PlantFloweringTrim backFertilise
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Leggy stems | Trim back by a third mid-summer. |
| Yellow leaves | Iron deficiency or overwatering. |
| Sticky leaves | Aphids; hose off. |
| Holes in petals | Budworm caterpillars. |
| Few flowers | Needs more sun and feeding. |
Common questions
Do I need to deadhead?
Modern trailing types need little; others flower more if deadheaded.
Are they perennial?
Usually grown as annuals.
Can they grow in shade?
Not well.
Are they pet safe?
Yes.
