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Annuals/Trailing Petunias

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Expert: - 7/6/2008


Question
I have six hanging baskets of Trailing Petunias and they were beginning to flower nicely, in fact they had just started to hang over the basket as they should. Then last night we had some heavy cold rain, and today almost all the flower heads have wilted making them look as if the plants have died! Will my plants revive if I remove all the seemingly dead flower-heads, or do I need to replace the whole plant? thank you Patricia

Answer
CUT the dilapidated spent Petunia flowers and place the pots in a high Sun location to adjust.  By Day 3 they should be ready to rock and roll.  Make sure you are not overwatering -- sorry, but I have to check, boss's orders.  DO NOT Fertilize, if that has crossed your mind.  Petunias are easy; you have months to master this art.  Thanks for writing; your followups invited.

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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