Can you plant petunias in pots
James Bradley
Updated on April 07, 2026
Planting petunias in containers is a fantastic way to showcase them. Whether in hanging baskets or containers on tables or a front porch, growing petunias in pots brings vibrant color throughout the summer to whatever area you choose.
What to plant with petunias in containers?
- Snapdragons.
- Delphiniums.
- Society garlic.
- Lupines.
- Black-eyed Susan.
- Daisies.
- Iris.
- Allium.
How many petunias are in a container?
It’s easy to think you should really fill your basket but with Wave plants, we recommend planting about three plants per every ten inches of container. Planting too many petunias will mean that your plants begin competing for nutrients found in the soil.
Do petunias like sun or shade?
Petunias need at least 5 or 6 hours of good sunlight; they’ll perform even better when located in full sun all day. The more shade they receive, the fewer flowers they’ll produce.What is the best way to grow petunias?
Petunias need full sun or they will become spindly. They don’t tend to flower well in shade. They are quite versatile, growing well in different types of soil as long as the soil drains well and doesn’t stay wet. Soil should be moderately fertile to promote the best growth.
Can you overwater petunias?
Petunias are subject to root and crown rot, a result of uneven watering. “Like pansies,” she says, “petunias must never be allowed to wilt, either from under- or overwatering. Once they wilt, it’s all over.” She advises providing good soil conditions, including preparation with organic materials and ample mulching.
How many petunias can you plant together?
PlantFlower pouch30cm (12″) patio containerLobelia1010Pansy and Viola108Petunia (trailing)85Primrose and Polyanthus107
Are petunias good for hanging baskets?
Petunias are perfect for locations exposed to full sunlight. Look for cascading petunias, which include any variety that produces flowers on long, flowing stems. Planting petunias in hanging baskets is a cinch, as long as you use a sturdy container with at least one drainage hole.Do petunias grow back every year?
Do Petunias Come Back Every Year? Petunias are perennials, however, they are typically treated as annuals. … If you live in a cooler climate and want your petunias to grow back in the spring, then you must store them indoors during the winter.
How long do petunia flowers last?How Long Do Petunias Last? As an answer to your question, petunias can last between 2 and 3 years in warmer climates. However, the fact is that in the real sense, petunias are annuals in cold climates. As such, they might be unable to survive the cold temperature that comes with winter.
Article first time published onHow long do petunias last in hanging baskets?
To tackle the first part of the question, petunias can live for 2 or 3 years but generally behave as annuals because they can’t survive the freezing temperatures of the winter.
Should you deadhead petunias?
Petunias are long-blooming flowers in a wide variety of types, shapes and colors. … Deadheading petunias throughout the growing season tricks them into producing more flowers instead of seeds and keeps them looking neat. Leggy petunias may benefit from heavier pruning in the middle of the growing season.
How do you take care of potted petunias?
The best way to water petunias is to water them deeply and then leave them alone until the top inch of soil is dry. They like it dry and should be ignored until that top inch is dry. Check your plants daily if they are in containers or twice a week if they are in a garden bed by simply sticking your finger in the soil.
Is Miracle Grow good for petunias?
Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food guaranteed bigger, more beautiful plants! It is full of essential nutrients that will make your petunias happy and healthy. This fertilizer is intended to be applied every 7-14 days.
How do you start petunias indoors?
Spread the tiny petunia seeds on the surface of the soil. Press them against the soil gently without covering the seeds, which need light to germinate, and then spray them with a fine mist. Because petunia seeds are minute and need intensive light to germinate, it is best to start them in trays indoors.
When can petunias go outside?
Petunias thrive when nighttime temperatures are in the 55 to 65°F range, and daytime temps are between 61 and 80°F. They will succumb to sub-freezing temperatures in a hurry, and anything below 40°F may kill them, though Wave® petunias can tolerate temperatures as low as 35°F.
How long does it take for petunias to spread?
They take anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks to flower. You should start them indoors in moist, fertilized soil and then move them outside after 10 to 12 weeks. Do not place them outdoors until the plants have a least 3 leaves.
How often should I water petunias?
Petunias prefer full sunlight, so be aware, container plants may dry out more quickly during hot weather periods. During such periods the plants require two daily waterings. Bedded plants need water when the top 12-15 cm (5-6 inches) begin to dry. Bedded plants need once-a-week a deep watering.
Do petunias like rain?
In addition, petunias are sensitive to water. The flowers often close after a heavy rain, according to Oregon State University Extension Service, and may not open again until they dry out. Petunias do best in soil that has a pH level of between 6.0 and 7.0, drains well and is kept slightly moist.
Is coffee grounds good for petunias?
The answer to this is “YES”. Coffee grounds serve as effective fertilizers for petunias and are also inexpensive. With coffee grounds, petunias which are known to be heavy feeders bloom profusely. … The fact that petunias love coffee grounds already makes them lovers of acidic soil and will grow best in soil with low pH.
Why are my potted petunias dying?
Dying and wilting petunias are usually because of fungal diseases such as root rot, caused by excess moisture around the roots. Petunias require a thorough watering once a week and do not tolerate boggy soil from overwatering which causes petunias leaves and flowers to wilt, and results in dying petunias.
What do you do with petunias at the end of the season?
Water the plants thoroughly and place them in a cool but above freezing location. Look for a spot in your garage or basement where they’ll be out of the way. Check overwintering petunias every three to four weeks. If the soil has dried out, give them just enough water to moisten the soil.
What do you do with petunias in the winter?
Overwintering petunias Pot them up in pots just big enough to take the rootball and some fresh potting compost around the sides, and overwinter in a light, frost-free place – preferably a greenhouse or cool conservatory.
Do petunias like hot sun?
Sunlight. Along with warmth comes light, and petunias like lots of it. They thrive in bright, sunny conditions and should not be placed in the shade. The flowers do tend to become leggy when summer temperatures grow hot for long periods.
Can petunias live indoors?
Although petunias are usually grown outdoors in window boxes, containers or flower beds, growing petunias indoors produces healthy plants if you put them near a sunny window and give them regular care.
How many trailing petunias are in a 14 inch hanging basket?
For a 14” hanging basket (not including any side panels) 7-8 plants. For a 16” hanging basket (not including any side panels) 8-9 plants. For a 18” hanging basket (not including any side panels) 9-10 plants.
Can you collect seeds from petunias?
Harvesting the Seeds When the blooms dry out, pinch at the base, and store them in an airtight container. The pods will open and release seeds. This way, you can harvest petunia seeds. Store these seeds in a cool and dry area, until the return of favorable growth conditions.
What do petunias symbolize?
What Do Petunias Symbolize? … Some of the most common meanings for the petunia are a soothing nature, resentment, and anger. Anger and resentment are common themes for this flower when it is given to someone with whom you have recently had an argument.