Expert: C.L. Fornari - 5/20/2009

Question
I planted petunias from seed in March. I now have LARGE green leaves (like lettuce) but not flowers. So I cut all the leaves. I did fertilze them a couple of times so maybe they cannot set flower. The root system is still there. What should I do if anything?

Answer
David,
If you used a fertilizer that was very high in nitrogen (the first number on a fertilizer package) that could cause a lot of foliage but now flowers. But I have a feeling that your plants either are not in enough sun, or are just not old enough yet to flower. Remember that the leaves are the food factories for the plant - a growing plant develops leaves and roots first and only after that system is well in place does the plant flower.

Petunias flower at the end of the stems, and the leaves are on the those stems as well. I'm not clear if you cut the stems as well as the leaves, or if you cut them back to soil level.  At this point you'll have to wait and see - if they grow from the roots, don't cut off the leaves any more.  You can pinch petunia stems after they are at least 6" long, taking off an inch or two from the end of the stem. This helps develop bushy plants.

Wait to fertilize again after they start to bloom. Be sure the plants are getting at least 6 hours of full sun.

I hope this helps,
C.L.