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Annuals/waterlogged petunias

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Expert: - 8/2/2009


Question
I understand  that we must not over water container petunias, but our weather (excess rain) this summer has certainly not helped. Can I do anything to bring what were beautiful plants back?

Answer
First, the pots have to be perfectly draining.  If they're not, change that.  Petunia roots can't stand the water or the lack of Oxygen.

Next, let the roots dry out.  Remove them from the soil they're in and set them out someplace dry.  If they need it, put them on paper towels.  Time is of the essence.

Pinch the Petunias -- cut them back an inch (or 2 if needed). This time of year, Petunias that have been growing all Summer need a second wind anyway.  Pinching/pruning/whatever you want to call it will give them that breath of fresh air, stimulating hormones to grow leaves and more flowers.

When the roots are aired out sufficiently (not DRIED but aired out, i.e. more Oxygen is able to circulate around them and the soil is no longer soggy), re-plant them and PROTECT them from rain.  Cover them at night with newspapers or towels.

If these were worth it, I'd say give them a few doses of triage-level "Messenger", a fairly expensive product that is a kind of CPR for plants.  But they are so cheap, and the Summer is 2/3rds over (however Petunias do bloom through November in this area), it might not be worth it.  The sooner you get the Messenger in the I.V., the faster the recovery.  They can save you a good 2 weeks of Petunia pain and suffering.

Who knew this much precipitation was on the menu for the Summer of '09?

Next time, remember that old gardener's saying: Into every life some rain must fall.

THE LONG ISLAND GARDENER  

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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