Petunias originally come from South America and thank you for being planted in a location with as much sun as possible with lush and long-lasting flowers. However, compared to other flowering plants, petunias require comparatively more attention when caring for them.
How should you water petunias?
Watering petunias properly means using soft tap water near the roots in the morning or evening, without spraying the plants from above. Be aware of the high water requirements, but avoid waterlogging by providing drainage.
The water needs of petunias
The relatively high water requirement of petunias should not lead to excessive watering, as they can react to waterlogging of the roots with deficiency symptoms that appear similar to illness. This can be prevented if the balcony boxes are provided with appropriate drainage holes (€18.00 on Amazon) and a drainage layer made of gravel. In a sufficiently permeable substrate, however, it may be appropriate in midsummer for larger specimens or hanging petunias to water the plants daily as soon as the dry soil comes away easily from the balcony box wall.
How to water petunias properly
The high water requirement of petunias is explained not least by the fact that, due to their peculiarities, they should preferably be in a covered location. When watering, the following factors should be taken into account:
- Use as soft tap water as possible
- Do not water at midday, but rather in the morning and evening
- Do not water from above, but near the roots
Tip
While some plant species can enjoy being sprayed with a garden hose or watering can, this should not be done with petunias due to the risk of mildew and other diseases.
