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Annuals/PETUNIA

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Expert: - 6/25/2008


Question
MY PETUNIA'S IN HANGING BASKETS SEEM TO GET THIN NOT FULL AND THICK LIKE WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT THEM,, DO I NEED TO CUT THEM BACK?

Answer
Petunias like most other flowering plants will grow straight out of the middle stalk, unless you train them to do otherwise.

'Pinch' yours when flowers are spent.  This is a signal to turn on growth hormones on branches at the side.  I kid you not.

Remember too they need strong, bright Sun.  Hanging baskets may hide them from the sun they need.

Never fertilize Petunias.  They'll grow stems and leaves, and few if any flowers.  Pitiful.

Likewise, don't overwater.  This destroys the roots.  Let Petunias dry out for 3 days before you water them.  That allows Oxygen to get back into the Soil around the roots.

That said, these are very easy plants.  Try harder.  You'll get the hang of it.  (No pun intended!)

Annuals

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Long Island Gardener

Expertise

Decisions, decisions... If you can't make up your mind which Annuals to grow, you're not alone. Problem with your new flowering Annuals flats? I`ve been there, done that. Petunias, Sweet Alyssum, Larkspur, Marine Blue Lobelia -- they all grow here at my house on Garden Street on Long Island, N.Y.. Cutting and Cottage Gardens, Sun and Shade Gardens, White Gardens and Night Gardens, I`ve done them all. Annuals are the perfect summer flower, bursting with color June through fall's first frost. I can`t speak on Cactus or tender Tropical Plants -- they don`t grow outside in my Zone 7. I`m no Farmer, so I cannot guide you on Fruits and Vegetables. But whether it`s an Annual you want to start from seed, mail-order or pick up at your local garden center, I can help you grow amazing blooms this Summer. Yes, together, we can turn your neighbors green with envy.

Experience

I have a lifetime of gardening behind me here on the North Shore of Long Island. While I have degrees in related fields, there's nothing like hands-on work to build real knowledge. I stay on top of current science -- there's a boom in research, and Kingdom Plantae is filled with surprises. By the way, I really do live on Garden Street.

Publications
Gannett newspapers, The New York Times, and hundreds of others - but not on Annuals.

Education/Credentials
B.A., botany; graduate credits in European Intellectual History and Political Science; minor coursework in related fields, docent training at our local botanical gardens (required for volunteers). I'm currently working on an advanced biochemistry degree.

Awards and Honors
I could tell you, but then you'd know who I am.

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