Petunias have rightly gained a regular place among the most popular balcony plants. The subtropical summer flowers combine lavish blooms with uncomplicated requirements. This guide explains in practical terms how to properly care for petunias in the balcony box.
How do you care for petunias in a balcony box?
Petunias in balcony boxes thrive best in sunny locations, in petunia soil with a pH value of 5.5 to 6.0. Water the plants regularly with rainwater or stale tap water, fertilize weekly with liquid petunia fertilizer, and remove wilted flowers to extend the blooming period.
Where do petunias develop their best?
Petunias are characterized by their preference for sunshine and an aversion to rain. On the sunny south-facing balcony, the subtropical flowers boast such a dense carpet of flowers that the leaves are almost invisible. A partially shaded location on the west or east balcony is tolerated, but results in a less opulent appearance. Protection from pelting rain is recommended at every location.
Planting petunias on the balcony – when and in which soil?
For petunias, the planting season begins in mid-May. In the previous 8 to 10 days, the plants should acclimatize during the day in a partially shaded location on the balcony. As a substrate, we recommend special petunia soil with an extra portion of iron and a pH value of 5.5 to 6.0.
What should you pay attention to when supplying water and nutrients?
The balanced supply of water and nutrients plays a key role in the care program for balcony petunias. This is how you water and fertilize the flowers in the box and pot correctly:
- Water petunias primarily with rainwater or stale tap water
- Keep the substrate constantly slightly moist
- If the plant soil dries, there is a need for watering
- On warm summer days, water early in the morning if necessary and again after sunset
- Add a liquid petunia fertilizer (€10.00 on Amazon) to the irrigation water every week
To bridge the holiday season for thirsty petunias without drought stress, we recommend installing an automatic irrigation system.
Can pruning extend the flowering period?
Daily cleaning out withered flowers plays a major role in ensuring that petunias tirelessly develop new buds. If this is too time-consuming for you, use secateurs every now and then. If you cut back withered shoots, the sun's rays will awaken dormant buds at the bottom of the shoot to life.
Tip
In autumn, the wilted appearance of petunias belies the fact that the plants have the vitality to last for several years. If you still have a spot free in the frost-free basement, it should be reserved as winter quarters for your busy balcony petunias. Repotted and cut back in spring, the flower festival is repeated on the balcony.
