Several factors determine how often you need to water Petunias, but these plants can handle somewhat dry conditions while still pushing out beautiful blooms. Petunias thrive with deep watering. Meaning when it is time to give the plants a drink, completely saturate the soil around the plant.
This watering technique will promote a more extensive root system which means you can expect more abundant flowers, and established plants will need water less often. Learn more about how to properly water Petunias.
How To Tell If Petunias Need Watered
The best way to determine when to water Petunias is to feel the soil. If the top few inches of the soil are dry, the plant needs water. Leaves wilting or turning yellow and cracked soil are indications that the plant is too dry. Water right away if the plant appears dehydrated, and the Petunia may recover, but drying out too much may stunt the growth or be fatal. Overwatering is equally bad for Petunias, so hold off on watering if the soil is damp.
How Often To Water Petunias
Routine watering will help a newly planted Petunia settle in and acclimate. Water new plants as soon as they are in the ground or a planter, and water each day for the first 1 to 2 weeks. Try to keep the soil consistently damp during these first couple of weeks.
Once the Petunia has settled in, you can wait until the top inch or two of the ground dries out before watering. In arid climates or during a drought, it may be necessary to water every couple of days, so monitor the soil and weather and water as needed.
Petunias in pots or hanging baskets will need water much more frequently. Good drainage is necessary to support healthy Petunias, but it also causes containers to dry out more quickly, so expect to water potted Petunias every few days. Again, feel the soil and water when the top 1 to 2 inches are dry.
Best Time To Water Petunias
Any time the soil is dry is the best time to water Petunias. Watering the plants early in the morning can help sustain the plants through the early afternoon, typically the warmest and sunniest part of the day. During the winter, Petunias go dormant and will need less water. Wait until the top few inches of soil are dry to water.
How to Water Petunias?
Step 1 - Feel the soil.
Touch the soil to gauge the dampness and water when the top 1 to 2 inches of the soil are dry.
Step 2 - Saturate the soil.
Deeply water the ground around the plant to promote root growth. An extensive root system will better sustain the plant and encourage more blooms.
Step 3 - Be gentle.
Petunias can handle getting wet, but a deluge of water may flatten or damage the flowers, so try to water the ground around the plant.
Step 4 - Make sure the soil does not completely dry out.
Check on the plant every few days to ensure it does not become too dry.
Petunias Watering Tips
- Feel the soil and water when the top 1 to 2 inches are dry.
- Deep water the plant to promote a large and healthy root system.
- Use well-draining soil.
- Water the soil around the plant to prevent damaging the delicate flowers.
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Author Alison Cotsonas - Published 16-12-2021 |