A cascade of charming flowers

How to propagate ampelous petunia?

The plant enjoys a well-deserved popularity among both experienced and novice gardeners. Since ampelous petunia is an annual plant, it must be propagated regularly. This can be done in two ways. The simplest of these is grafting. With its help, you can get an exact copy of the plant, preserving its appearance and other properties.

Ampel petunia from seeds

For growing a plant, you can use ready-made seed material. To know what conditions ampelous petunia requires, how to grow seedlings from seeds for moving into the ground, you need to familiarize yourself with the following rules:

1. Planting seeds should start in mid-February.
2. It is most convenient to grow ampelous petunia in tall plastic cups.
3. At the bottom of the dishes, it is necessary to organize a drainage layer with holes to remove excess moisture.
4. Ampel petunia requires soft and loose, uniform soil.
5. To prepare the soil, you can take in equal parts sand, humus and sod. Peat is additionally added to the soil.
6. Before sowing, the soil must be treated with a solution of potassium permanganate or heated in the oven. This will help to destroy microflora dangerous for the plant.
7. Plastic cups are filled with soil, leaving a free space 2-3 cm from the edge.
8. Seeds are poured on top. You can mix the seed with a little snow. Having melted, it will pull the seeds deep into the soil with it.
9. Until the first shoots appear, the ampelous petunia does not need to be fertilized, watered and fed. Containers must be kept at a temperature of about + 25 ° C.
10. From above, plastic glasses should be covered with a transparent thick film or glass.
11. When the first shoots appear, the container is transferred to a bright place and the temperature is maintained at about + 20 ° C. At this stage, the plant needs to be watered by spraying.
12. To prevent the appearance of infection, you need to alternate ordinary water for irrigation with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
13. The film is not removed until the first full-fledged leaves appear. From time to time you need to raise it to get fresh air.

Cutting ampelous petunia

Separate shoots can be used for flower propagation. Cutting ampelous petunias in the spring is carried out as follows:

1. The upper shoots are cut from the parent bush with a length of at least 15 cm.
2. The lower leaves must be cut off and the scion placed in water.
3. The dishes are covered with transparent film to create a greenhouse effect. As it evaporates, the water needs to be topped up.
4. After a week, the cutting should take root, after which it can be transplanted into the ground.

Cutting ampelous petunias in comparison with planting with seeds has several advantages:

1. Seeds do not always show good germination results. Cuttings take root much more often.
2. By cuttings, you can save on planting material and growing seedlings.
3. Cutting helps to get an exact copy of the parent bush.
4. Germination and planting takes less time compared to planting seeds.

Ampel petunia - how many pieces to plant in pots?

Ampel petunia is very popular with many flower growers. Thanks to the wide range of colors, it is able to decorate a wide variety of places in your summer cottage: windows, gazebos, balconies. It will also look spectacular as a separate composition in your garden.

Petunia varieties have a conditional division into:

• bush flowers that are planted in open ground. Seeds are planted in March or April. The plant is planted in a permanent place in May;
• ampel petunias are planted in hanging flowerpots or pots.

To obtain seedlings, seeds are sown much earlier than bush ones - in early or mid-February, and in May they are transplanted to a permanent place. At the same time, each grower will inevitably face the question: how many pieces of ampelous petunias to plant in pots?

Sowing petunia seeds

Before planting a plant in a permanent place, it is necessary to grow its seedlings. To do this, the following conditions must be met:

1. Prepare the soil, which should be light and loose. It must be moistened and watered with a growth stimulant.
2. Seeds are poured onto the ground without deepening. A small amount of earth is poured on top of them. The seeds are moistened with a spray bottle.
3. The container is covered on top with glass or polyethylene film. Every day, the seedlings are ventilated for a short time, watered if necessary.
4. After five days, sprouts appear. The film or glass is opened for a long time, providing maximum illumination.
5. After two weeks, the first leaves germinate. At this stage, 1-2 times a week, fertilizing is carried out in liquid form, spraying them from a spray bottle.
6. The growing seedlings are transplanted into larger containers as they grow.

During the first 4-5 weeks after the emergence of seedlings, seedlings develop slowly, they gradually build up the root system. Then their active growth begins. In containers with a volume of 1.5-2 liters, petunia seedlings grow before they are transplanted to a permanent place in a pots of the correct size. Thus, by May, a bush of ampelous petunia grows, having 15-20 buds.

How many petunias to plant in one planter?

It is recommended to use pots as a container for growing petunias. The planter is a special vase designed for a flower pot. In the design of the pots, it is assumed that there are special hooks with which it is suspended.

When deciding how many petunias to plant in a pot, you should adhere to the following recommendation: no more than two adult plants are planted in one container with an average size (diameter about 22 cm). This is due to the fact that ampelous petunias are characterized by a branched root system. If you plant more than two plants in one planter, this will interfere with their growth and proper development. The nutrients in the soil will be used up quickly, and this will lead to a decrease in the intensity of petunias flowering.

In addition, when deciding how many petunias to plant in one pot, it is necessary to take into account the size of the container and the variety of the future plant. The larger the variety, the larger the container it will need. For example, in a pots with a volume of 10 liters, you can plant two pieces of petunias of the "Fortunia" variety. But if you are dealing with the Typhoon variety, then in this case you will be able to plant only one seedling in a 10-liter planter.

Following the recommendations for calculating how many petunias can be planted in one pot will help you grow a healthy plant. By creating comfortable conditions for the growth of petunias, you will enjoy its flowering throughout the season.

Description

Petunia belongs to flowers from the Solanaceae family, and it got its name from the Latin word petun - tobacco, due to the great similarity with this plant in the structure of the corolla, as well as in its habitat: South America and Brazil. Now you can find at least forty species of petunias, which are significantly different from those found in tropical forests.

Breeders have been actively working on the creation of new varieties of flowers since the 18th century and have achieved good results. Petunias growing in their native territory are perennials; in other climatic conditions, more severe than usual for them, they grow no more than one season. Depending on the variety, the appearance of the plant can vary significantly: for example, the stem is creeping, creeping and erect, having different lengths.

The structure of the corolla has five petals that grow together to the base and form a long tube in which the stamens are located. The color variety of the corolla is enormous - thanks to the work of breeders, there are both monochromatic and two-colored varieties.

Thanks to a wide palette of colors, it is possible to create a gorgeous flower bed that will delight with flowering for a long time. After the corolla wilts, a seed capsule forms in its place, thanks to which the flower sows itself for the next season.

If we talk about the types of growth of petunias, then there are three varieties in total:

• bush;
• ampelous;
• cascading.

The dwarf version usually grows at home due to the small height of the bush, which is about 20 cm. The stem is strong and branched, the flowers are small, shaped like a gramophone, and blooms profusely. The advantages of this variety can be considered the ability to easily tolerate any temperature extremes and resistance to fungal diseases.

Multiflora is similar in structure to the dwarf version due to strong and erect stems, but their height can reach 40 cm. The flowering is very abundant, it is not always possible to see the foliage of the plant behind the color. The corolla has an average size - from 5 to 7 cm - hybrid varieties can reach 15 cm.The disadvantages of this option include poor resistance to a humid environment: after prolonged rainfall, corollas become less attractive, and the plant itself can be infected with a fungal disease.

Grandiflora differs from all other petunias with flowers of the largest size, reaching 15 cm in diameter. The choice of each of the options is dictated by the goals for which the flowers are selected. In addition to the aforementioned varieties, it is worth talking separately about the ampelous and cascading varieties of petunias.

Variety selection

When choosing petunias for a personal plot or home gardening, pay attention to the following nuances:

• the optimal length of the whips - to decorate the balcony, you can take a relatively compact plant, and to create a "dry stream" in the garden, varieties with long shoots are more suitable;
• endurance - for planting in open ground, especially if the risk of getting wet is high, it is better to choose small-flowered varieties;
• "Capriciousness" in care, including the need for pinching and frequency of watering, resistance to diseases and pests. It is better for novice growers not to choose too delicate and whimsical varieties;
• exactingness to lighting;
• timing and duration of flowering;
• matching in color of flowers when creating compositions with contrasting or smooth transitions of shades - varieties planted next to them should be combined harmoniously;
• the size of the flowers - for the foreground it is better to use large-flowered terry varieties with the original shape of the petals, and for the general background, for example, when decorating the wall of a house, small-flowered varieties are more suitable.

An experienced florist from Siberia tells about his favorite varieties and their advantages in the following video review:

How to plant?

Despite the unpretentiousness of the plant, its planting has certain features that must be taken into account:

• when calculating how many plants can be placed in a particular container (pot, box or pots), one should proceed from the following rule: dishes with a diameter of 22 cm can accommodate no more than two mature bushes;
• light soil is preferred - sand and peat can be added;
• petunia is planted in small-sized containers: pots, baskets, hanging boxes;
• before planting a plant, the soil is moistened;
• seeds are laid out on top of the soil, then sprinkled with earth;
• you can water the flower from a spray bottle with water that has settled;
• in order for the seeds to sprout faster, it is necessary to create a greenhouse effect and cover the container with polyethylene, but they need to be ventilated every day;
• sprouts will appear within a week - after that, the film can be opened for long periods;
• when foliage appears, the plant should be fed, after which it is necessary to repeat the procedure once a week;
• after the formation of flowers, they can be planted in permanent containers or open ground.

The seedlings of the flower are moistened gently, under the root - it is better to do this with a syringe. An adult plant is watered in the evening twice a week after the topsoil has dried.

When choosing a place for planting petunias, it is better to stay in an area that is sufficiently lit, since the plant loves light very much. If planted in the shade, it will grow, but it will develop more slowly, forming more foliage and less flowering.

In order for the bush to have a spectacular decorative appearance, even when growing seedlings, you need to pinch it - this will create a beautiful compact branching. Also, thanks to this method, the flowering will be more abundant. Florists recommend pinching over the fourth or fifth leaf of the shoot in the center.

Nuances

Usually, petunia can, with improper care, fail in development:

• if the flowering is not abundant, and the stems are elongated, then the flower does not have enough lighting or it is cold;
• you need to remove dried flowers in time;
• if petunia was struck by a fungal disease, then most likely humus was used for feeding.

See below for the varieties and best varieties of petunias.

Planting and caring for ampel petunia at home

It is difficult to find such a grower who would be indifferent to petunias. Today, it is customary to distinguish two types of this plant: bush and ampelous. Moreover, each of them has expressiveness and attractiveness. Shrub petunias have become widespread as garden plants, and ampelous ones are mainly grown at home, where they decorate balconies and verandas. However, regardless of the variety of petunias chosen, it is imperative to provide appropriate care.

Growing seedlings from seeds

Due to the meager baggage of knowledge, novice florists pay attention to every little detail. They may be interested in well-known methods of combating diseases, as well as the question of how many pieces to plant in pots

However, the first thing they need to do is get an answer to the question of how to grow plants from seeds.

If it is possible to provide artificial lighting for seedlings, sowing petunia seeds can already be in February. Otherwise, you need to wait with this until mid-March, since at this time the daylight hours will become longer, which will provide the petunia with the necessary amount of light. The soil used for sowing should have a loose, nutritious and light texture. To prepare a planting soil that meets the above requirements, the following components will be required:

• two parts of peat;
• two parts of sod and leafy soil;
• two parts of humus;
• one piece of sand.

The top layer of soil should be as light as possible, so it is advisable to sift it. The day before sowing, the soil must be watered. Then you need to add a little dry sand to the seeds, after which this mixture is placed on the prepared soil. It is possible to accelerate seed germination if the container with crops is covered with film or glass and transferred to a room where the temperature will be maintained at 21-22 degrees.

The appearance of the first shoots should be expected after a week. From this point on, the seedlings need to be carefully cared for. To do this, the seedlings are watered twice a day, sprinkling with room water. It is also necessary to conduct airing. It is difficult to grow strong and healthy seedlings without maintaining optimal air humidity. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure that condensation does not occur, since if it is present, the likelihood of damage to seedlings by various diseases increases. After waiting for the formation of the first leaves of the seedlings, the film can be removed.

Watering and fertilizing

Petunia makes rather high demands on growing, so beginner growers may have certain difficulties. The plant will be able to fully demonstrate its decorative properties only under the condition of carrying out nutritious dressings. No less important is watering for petunias, which must be carried out every day.

If the seedlings do not receive the required amount of moisture, this will lead to the development of diseases, which can be determined by various characteristic signs. For example, its leaves become sticky. In order for the plant to be provided with all the necessary nutrients, it is recommended to carry out top dressing with special compounds that must be added to the soil with each watering. The greatest effect of dressings is achieved if the scheme is followed:

• the first seven days - watering with water and humates;
• the next seven days - watering with water and potassium sulfate.

Planting flowers in open ground

When the seedlings grown in pots are strong enough, you can choose a place for planting in open ground. However, in order for this event to happen without complications, the following recommendations must be taken into account:

it is advisable to transplant in the evening in cloudy weather;
it is recommended to transfer seedlings to a prepared place together with the soil from the pots;
the seedling holes to be prepared must be at least 10 x 10 cm;
it is also important to correctly determine the distance between seedlings, focusing on their size. If a variety with large flowers is transplanted, then the plants are placed at least 24 cm from each other

For plants with small flowers, it is sufficient to observe an interval of 19 cm. For ampel petunia bushes, a distance of about 29 cm must be maintained;
when the transplant is completed, it is necessary to carry out activities to accelerate rooting. For this, the soil is mulched with peat or humus. In this way, plants will be protected from low temperatures, which will also help maintain optimal moisture levels;
upon completion of all transplant operations, the flower must be watered.

Description of ampelous petunia

First you need to figure out what the word "ampelous" means? The name comes from the German word ampel - a hanging vase. Hence, ampelous are called flowers that are grown in hanging flowerpots, pots, baskets.

Ampelnaya has elastic flowing shoots. Their length can reach from 30 to 120 cm. Leaves are soft, green with slight pubescence. On the shoots, many flowers are placed in the shape of a bell. Their diameter ranges from 3 to 10 cm, depending on the variety.

The appearance also depends on the variety. The stems are directed downward, drooping, have loops, most often used for hanging pots, balcony boxes. Flowers can be monochromatic or bicolor. The middle is a more saturated shade.

Varieties

Petunia ampelous can be of unusual shades and different shapes. The hybrid varieties introduced over the past 10 years are more resistant, they are distinguished by abundant and long flowering.

The best varieties of ampelous petunias are:

1. Surfinia - the variety is presented in a variety of shades (grown using cuttings). It is characterized by good branching, resistance to weather conditions.
2. Snow Queen - medium-length shoots, white flowers with a delicate aroma.
3. Corduroy - leaves and flowers have a velvety surface. It is considered a good honey plant.
4. Avalanche - a series of varieties represented by Avalanche Pink, Avalanche White and Avalanche Purple, characterized by high decorativeness and long flowering period, increased fragility.
5. Opera - flowers are predominantly red, pink and white, buds are small.
6. Ekaterina - refers to hybrid varieties. Flowers about 5 cm in diameter, have a yellowish-reddish tint.

Planting and leaving

Proper care and cultivation of ampelous petunia provides intensive flowering for several months. If this variety grows in standing containers, then the middle becomes less lush and thinns. Therefore, it is preferable to use hanging planters.

Features of planting and caring for a flower:

1. Seeds are recommended to be sown in spring. Many small-flowered varieties bloom after 10 weeks, and large-flowered varieties after 12 weeks.
2. The soil is selected nutritious and loose, pre-moistened before sowing. Good drainage is ensured. Pebbles or expanded clay are placed at the bottom of the container.
3. The seeds of ampelous petunia are pre-soaked in potassium permanganate.
4. Sowing must be sparse. The optimal temperature regime is 21-24 degrees. Already 7-10 days after sowing, provided all conditions are met, the first shoots appear.
5. After the appearance of several full-fledged leaves, the seedlings dive to a permanent place, 3-4 plants need to be planted in a pot.
6. In order for the flower to take root, it is fed with complex fertilizers every 4 weeks. For abundant flowering, fertilizers are applied with a predominance of potassium and magnesium.
7. Plant care consists in watering and regularly loosening the top layer of the soil. Moisturization should be abundant, in hot weather - 2 times a day.
8. For the splendor of flowering and a beautiful appearance, all dried buds are removed.
9. The place for the transplant is selected sunny, without drafts.

Making a plant on video:

Petunia is propagated by cuttings much faster. This is a good way to decorate your garden without purchasing a lot of planting material. Flowering with this reproduction is observed in a month. The procedure can be carried out in spring and summer. On the southern side of the plant, the upper part of the shoot is cut off, if there is a flower, then it must be removed.

In the spring, rooting is carried out in the sand, in the summer you can mix the sand with the soil from the site in a ratio of 1 to 1. The soil mixture is disinfected with a solution of potassium permanganate.

Before planting, the stem of the cutting is dipped in the Kornevin preparation and buried in the ground by 2 cm, covered with a plastic container to create a greenhouse effect. After 2 weeks, disembarkation is carried out to a permanent place. To obtain beautiful flowing loops, the plant is not pinched.

What are the best varieties to plant?

Any varieties of petunias can be planted in pots, but the following varieties of ampel and semi-ampel petunias are most suitable:

Surfinia

We are especially fond of Russian flower growers. It is characterized by a variety of flowers, resistance to natural phenomena, splendor of flowering, fast growing season.

Catherine

Hybrid variety (the variety of hybrid varieties of petunia is described here). Stem length up to 80 cm. Flowers of rich colors: bright pink or pink-red with veins. The diameter of the flower is 6-7 cm. It blooms magnificently.

Explorer

The variety has very long, strong stems up to 150 cm. The plant is very hardy. The flowers are large, waxy. The colors of the flowers of this variety can be very different.

Mashenka

Stem length 70–80 cm. Small flowers, similar to a funnel 3-5 cm, dense flowering, pink color with a yellowish center.

Wonderwave or Fortunia

It is also a very popular variety in our country. The length of the shoots is from 1 to 1.5 meters. The diameter of the flower is 5–7 cm. Flowers can be of different colors.

Formation of ampelous petunia

Already in mid-July, as a rule, shoots grow strongly, hang down and require immediate removal. If this is not done, new buds and leaves will be actively formed only at the tops. The flower will simply become unattractive.

Important! Timely pinching of shoots is a prerequisite for growing a healthy and beautiful plant. The essence of pinching is to remove the shoot by 2/3 of the length

Thanks to this manipulation, the formation of the bush is carried out.

Petunia is a unique plant that combines excellent decorative properties.If a novice florist does not first familiarize himself with all the features of planting and growing a crop, then it will not work to achieve the desired beauty. For beginners, this can be a real challenge, especially if you grow flowers outdoors, trying to equip a flower bed. You can increase the chances of survival by growing the seedling method. Then the planting material will be hardened and strong, which will allow the seedlings to feel comfortable in the beds.