Petunias are now available in a variety of different colors and flower patterns, which can also enrich troughs in the garden or grave planting. However, for various reasons, the balcony still remains the main show stage for the magnificently blooming petunias.
Why are petunias ideal for the balcony?
Petunias are ideal for the balcony as they need lots of sun and protection from rain and wind. On the balcony they are also less susceptible to pests such as slugs and aphids. Their annual flowers can be cared for with little effort.
Lots of sun and protection from rain and wind
Petunias, which come from South America, love full sun locations and thank you with countless flowers for the sunshine and warmth they receive. Since higher-up balconies are usually not shaded by large trees or the shadows cast by houses, they are ideal for growing petunias. In addition, petunias in this country grow significantly better with a certain level of protection from wind and rainy weather and are less susceptible to diseases. The many different hanging varieties of petunia are also perfect for giving somewhat weathered balcony railings a colorful accent in summer.
Safe from annoying pests
In the garden bed, petunias are often the target of attacks by voracious pests such as slugs. It is much easier to deal with such a problem on the balcony, as snails are usually only brought onto the balcony with the plant substrate used. Aphids also appear less often on a balcony, but can be significantly reduced using the following means:
- with beneficial insects like ladybugs
- through regular monitoring and early action
- by removing severely infected shoots
- with special spray agents or spraying with a sharp jet of water
Annual flowers with little effort
Many balcony gardeners appreciate the petunia for a fact that is actually usually seen as a flaw: its lack of frost resistance. After all, in most apartments without their own garden, there is no space inside the house for overwintering balcony plants. Since petunias can be purchased cheaply as young plants in spring or are easy to grow from seeds, they are easily composted when the flowering period ends in autumn. During the summer season, regular water and fertilizer additions, as well as the occasional plucking of wilted flowers, are enough to ensure that new flowers can be admired on the petunias throughout the season.
Tip
Although petunias are not hardy outdoors or on protected balconies, they can be successfully overwintered in an appropriately temperate and bright winter quarters after pruning.
