One of the best ways to display petunias is through hanging baskets, as you can hang them around your home for decoration. Growing petunias in hanging baskets is much different than growing them in the ground, so a great question is how do you care for petunias in hanging baskets? I've done some research on the subject and have an answer for you!
When caring for petunias, it's important to keep track of the amount of sunlight they're receiving, how much water you're giving them, and how large they are growing.
There's more to these topics, which we will delve into down below.
Caring for Petunias in Hanging Baskets
Petunias in hanging baskets aren't too different from petunias grown in the ground, but there are still some things that you need to be on top of when caring for them.
Sunlight
Try to hang the petunias in an area with at least 6 hours of sunlight a day so it can bloom at its peak. Rotate the basket every week by 180 degrees so each side receives an equal amount of sunlight.
Water
Petunias need to be watered regularly, especially in the summer heat. If the first inch of the soil is dry, then they need to be watered. Be wary of overwatering, as too much water can lead to root rot or mold.
Overgrowth
Petunias may be healthy and grow abundantly, but their leggy overgrowth can cause them issues. Petunias that are too leggy during the blooming season flower poorly and may die prematurely. Pinch back the leggy stems for healthier blooms.
Having a quality pair of garden shears is important for making clean cuts when pruning or trimming. This pair of garden shears from Gonicc is made of high carbon steel with ultra-fine polishing technology with non-slip handles that are strong and lightweight. It has a sap groove design to help keep them from sticking by channeling off sap.
Click here to see garden shears at Amazon.
Pests
Petunias tend to be pretty pest free. If you see aphids, simply hose them off. If you see holes in some of the leaves, your petunias might have flea beetles, which aren't hard to get rid of. Simply remove the damaged leaves and stems.
Which Petunias are Best for Hanging Baskets?
We have covered how to care for petunias in hanging baskets, and now it's time to see which petunias are best for hanging baskets.
Grandiflora Petunias
Grandiflora petunias bloom large flowers, the largest of all petunia varieties, and are loved in gardens because of their low maintenance and bright blooms. Grandiflora petunias come with single and double varieties and do not like heat or humidity. Their trailing stems and blooms make them perfect for hanging baskets.
These Grandiflora petunias come in two different quantities: 250 seeds and 500 seeds. Their blooms are white and they have 3 to 4-inch blossoms. They prefer full sun, rich well-drained soil and the occasional trimming of spent blooms.
Click here to see Grandiflora petunias at Amazon.
Cascadia Petunia
Cascadia petunias are well known for their long-lasting blooms, which last from early spring to the first frost. They produce masses of flowers on trailing habits that are ideal for growing down the sides of hanging baskets.
Cascadia petunias are offered on Amazon in a pack of 100 seeds and the pack contains growing instructions. They can be grown in full or partial sun which helps them bloom at their peak.
Click here to see Cascadia petunias on Amazon.
Surfinia Petunia
Surfinia petunias are the most popular type of trailing petunia and have been bred to produce plants that are vigorous trailers. These petunias grow quickly and only need a few young plants to fill a hanging basket. They're very easy to grow and develop well in containers and baskets.
These Surfinia petunias from Amazon have an 87% germination rate and their ideal germination temperature is 20-25 degrees Celsius. Surfinia petunias are considered perennials and do well in moderate climates. They are very easy to grow and fully bloom in the summer.
Click here to see Surfinia petunias at Amazon.
Wave Petunia
Wave petunias have a spreading growth habit and can fill up flower beds with blooms and trails that can grow up to four feet. They are easy to care for and don't need much to grow and thrive. There are more than 55 types of wave petunias, so there are many options to choose from!
Amazon offers Misty Lilac Wave Petunias in a pack of 100 seeds, and they have a high germination rate. Once germinated, they should take between 98 to 105 days to fully mature and are considered to be an annual. They grow vigorously and are perfect for hanging baskets.
Click here to see wave petunias at Amazon.
Supertunia
Supertunias have long vines that can grow several feet in length and play well when planted with other flowers in baskets. They bloom consistently throughout the summer and require weekly feeding. There are currently 30 types of Supertunias.
Amazon offers this 200 pack of Supertunia seeds, which bloom in the spring. They are very easy to grow and known to grow very large.
Click here to see Supertunias at Amazon.
Now that we have discussed the best types of petunias for hanging baskets, we can look at what kind of fertilizers are best.
What Kind of Fertilizer is Best for Hanging Baskets?
Petunias receive the nutrients they need from the soil, which is in shorter supply when they're in hanging baskets. No matter how good the soil mix is, it will eventually run out of nutrients for petunias. Slow growth and pale leaves are signs of nutrient deficiency.
Liquid fertilizers are the best for hanging plants in hanging baskets because the nutrients can be absorbed quickly by the roots, leaves, and stems. Fertilizing frequently will help keep your petunias healthy and thriving, and you can make fertilizing easier by watering petunias with fertilizer mixed in.
Below are natural liquid fertilizers that Amazon has to offer.
Earthworms Casting Kit
This earthworm casting kit comes with both earthworm castings and earthworm casting tea. Both are rich in nutrients, beneficial bacteria and microbes, which assist in creating a healthy living soil that will give your petunias the perfect atmosphere for optimum growth.
Click here to see earthworm casting kit on Amazon
Fish Emulsion Fertilizer
Fish emulsion fertilizer stimulates growth and improves both plant health and plant color. This type of fertilizer promotes the growth of healthy bacteria and provides supplementary macro and micronutrients.
Click here to see fish emulsion fertilizer at Amazon.
Enjoy Cascades of Glorious Color
We hope you enjoyed this post and found it helpful! It's easy to take care of petunias in hanging baskets, and there are several popular types and varieties for you to choose from! Happy gardening!