Cascade petunia: description of 11 varieties, planting and care in the open field, reproduction

Cascading petunia is characterized by a varied palette of bright, saturated colors, as well as a long flowering period. This popular ornamental plant adorns gardens and home gardens, terraces, balconies and poles. It is also suitable for rooms. Growing an unpretentious and cold-resistant petunia is easy, so even novice flower growers are willing to choose it.

Description and features

Cascade petunia was bred in the 60s of the 20th century through hybridization at the cellular level. This is a subspecies of ampelous petunia with its own unique features. It is characterized by strong and elastic long shoots that do not break from strong winds.Initially, the petunia stems stretch upwards, and then, as they become heavier, they begin to fall smoothly. Important advantages are unpretentiousness and cold resistance.

Varieties

Plant species differ in size of bushes and direction of growth.

With flexible, strong side stems that grow downwards

This variety of flower shoots are characterized by both strength and flexibility. The side stems of the petunia, pointing down, grow, forming a thick "curtain".

With stems that grow upwards

The second variety of cascading petunia is characterized by stems growing upwards. Only when they reach a considerable length do they begin to grow down or to one side. The large buds of this flower are the same size. The cap of the plant is very voluminous, and therefore it requires a lot of space. Can be used as a ground cover crop.

Half-ampels with short lashes (supercascade)

Half-ampel petunia has small stems, but due to branching they look voluminous. Reaching 12 centimeters in diameter, large flowers form in spectacular and harmonious cascades.

Popular varieties

Among the variety of varieties, each grower will be able to choose the right option.

Surfinia

One of the most interesting hybrid varieties of petunias is Surfinia. Bright and attractive flowers on long and strong stems are collected in a bunch. Their shades are diverse - pink, snow-white, dark red, purple and yellow.

Conchita

This species is characterized by medium-sized flowers of various colors - white with a greenish throat, dark crimson and pale lilac. The surface of the petals is silky or terry.

Fortunia

This is a low but strongly branching shrub with long shoots. Falling branches reach one meter in length. Flowers collected in inflorescences have a diameter of up to 7 centimeters. They densely dot the stems, giving the impression of a solid flower ball. The coloring includes both warm and cold tones.

Ramblin

Ramblin's large-flowered petunia variety is showy and attractive, it is characterized by strong growth. A rounded bush dotted with medium-sized flowers.

Typhoon

The cascading petunia variety Typhoon has a specific bush shape - with branches up to twenty centimeters high and leaves up to thirteen in diameter. Colors of flowers are snow-white, scarlet and brown. This variety is difficult to tolerate cold weather, and is also capricious regarding the quality and composition of the soil.

Tornado

Cascading petunia Tornado is characterized by rapid growth and considerable power of tall stems. The shade of the flowers is very beautiful - white with silver.

Rose

Rose is often planted as a dense flower carpet. A distinctive feature of this cascading petunia is the medium-sized flowers of an expressive pink color.

Surf

Surf variety is represented by two subspecies - Pearl surf and Lilac surf. They have spreading branches, dense foliage and abundant long flowering. The first type of petunia is white with a pearly coating, and the second is pale purple.

Gioconda

One of the most charming varieties of cascading petunia is called Gioconda. At the same time, it is very easy to care for, which makes it extremely popular. This plant is grown in flowerpots and is used mainly to decorate vertical flower beds. A low neat bush is strewn with numerous flowers of luxurious shades - white, pink, scarlet, purple, orange, neon, salmon and purple.In addition to external beauty, this variety is characterized by increased resistance to temperature extremes and diseases.

Cascade

Cascade is a popular variety that combines compact bushes and large flowers. Petals are corrugated and densely double. This plant is characterized by early and abundant flowering, as well as resistance to drought and cold. Flower colors are pink, lilac, raspberry and blue.

Niagara

Niagara variety is distinguished by large, up to 7 centimeters in diameter flowers with smooth satin petals. Bush of medium size - up to 45 centimeters in height. A variety of colors look very harmonious due to the combination of white, lilac, dark purple and purple hues.

What they love

Petunia, being a native of countries with a predominance of hot and humid climate, loves long daylight hours, warm air and an abundance of moisture. Hybrid varieties, developed through careful selection, are characterized by good adaptation to almost any weather conditions.

Choosing a landing site

Before embarking on a landing, a suitable site is selected.

Temperature conditions

Cascade petunia is sensitive to too high air temperatures, but it easily tolerates frosts down to -10 ° C.

Lighting

Choose an open sunny place for cascading petunia, as this plant is warm and light-loving. On balconies or windows, it should be planted on the south or south-west side. Shady areas should be avoided, because under such conditions the shoots become elongated, the number and size of flowers decreases markedly, and the leaves, on the contrary, increase.

Humidity

Petunia is not afraid of drought and high humidity. Stagnant water is fatal to her, so it should not be allowed.

Grow Pots

Medium to large containers should be used for growing cascading petunias. At the bottom there should be special holes for removing excess moisture. In the first case, more than one plant should not be planted in one pot with a volume of up to 5 liters. To plant two or three specimens, you will need a large spacious pot - 10-15 liters, in which the flowers will feel free and not create obstacles for each other to grow.

The optimal distance between the stems is 15-20 centimeters.

How to plant

When planting a plant, it is necessary to observe the recommended dates, take into account the characteristics of the soil, as well as the requirements for temperature and light conditions.

Soil Requirements

In order for the petunia root system to develop properly, loose and light soil with breathable properties and neutral acidity is needed. For these purposes, you can purchase ready-made soil in a flower shop with the addition of special baking powder.

You can also prepare the composition yourself by mixing the following components in equal proportions:

• turf land;
• peat;
• sand;
• humus.

No less effective is the soil, consisting of hardwood and sod land, peat and river coarse sand.

In order for the soil to retain moisture, you need to lay a layer of expanded clay on the bottom of the pot.

Sowing dates

The optimal period for sowing cascading petunias is February or March.

How to plant

The container must be filled with soil so that 1-1.5 centimeters remain to the edge. Petunia seeds should be evenly distributed over the entire surface of the substrate. It is not necessary to sprinkle with soil, as this will only create an obstacle to germination.

Since this plant has too small seeds that are difficult to see on the surface of the soil, you can pre-pour a layer of snow, and then spread them on top. Subsequently, the snow will melt and moisten the soil.

After sifting petunia seeds, it is recommended to sprinkle them lightly with water and then cover with glass, agricultural textiles or plain paper. Instead of pots, you can initially use plastic food containers with airtight lids.

Temperature and light conditions

This plant needs a lot of light, so at certain times of the day it may need additional lighting. A fluorescent lamp is quite suitable for these purposes.

The optimum level of air temperature is from +20 to +23 degrees Celsius.

Ventilation

Crops should be ventilated daily for fifteen minutes, and the level of soil moisture should be controlled.

Rules for the care of seedlings

In order for petunia seedlings to grow actively and be he althy, it is necessary to provide them with complete care, combining regular watering and nutritious top dressing.

Irrigation

As soon as the leaves of the seedlings touch the glass or cover, the container must be opened and the first watering should be done. Overdrying the soil and oversaturating it with moisture is equally dangerous for the plant, so it is important to observe the measure. It is recommended to water the petunia in a pan or under the root, but its leaves cannot be moistened.

Pallet

The method of watering seedlings from a pallet is preferred, as it prevents root rot. To do this, you need to fill the pan with water, and then put a container with a plant in it. Hold for 30-40 minutes and drain excess water.

Under the root

Watering seedlings at the root should be done with a watering can with a thin long spout so as not to wet the leaves. The jet should be moderate - for this, the watering can should be kept at a low height above the seedlings.

Dive

Petunia bushes will grow he althy and beautiful if the seedlings are dived in a timely manner. It is recommended to perform this procedure twice. The first time - three weeks after sowing in the same containers. The second time - another week later in separate small containers or cups.

You can also perform a single pick after the formation of at least two leaves on each seedling.

Feeding

Two weeks after sowing, the first shoots will appear. The time has come to introduce the first dressing of petunias. Weak solutions of potassium permanganate or fungicide have proven to be effective. After picking, it is also necessary to feed the plants using solutions that promote the fastest root formation, such as yellow crystal.

Landing in open ground

You can plant flowers in a flower bed in mid-May or early June. This period is also favorable for transplanting petunias into pots or hanging balcony boxes.

How to care for an adult plant

Proper care of the formed petunia bush is to maintain optimal soil moisture and the required amount of nutrients in it.

Irrigation features

You need to water the cascading petunia daily, paying attention to the fact that the soil is evenly saturated with moisture. Excess moisture flowing through the drainage holes will indicate the correctness of watering. During the dry season, two moisturizing sessions per day are required. When it gets cold, the frequency of irrigation should be reduced.

Other methods of supplying adult plants with moisture may be used, such as regular spray irrigation or using a cool water pan.

How to properly feed

During the flowering period of petunia cascade, it is necessary to apply complex mineral fertilizers with a high content of magnesium and potassium. The optimal frequency of treatments is once every two weeks.

Pinching

The first time this procedure should be carried out when the shoots grow to 5-7 centimeters. In this step, which is the active growth phase, removal of the particle above the fifth sheet is performed. This will ensure more active growth of the lateral shoots of the petunia. For the best effect, the procedure should be repeated every month.

Diseases and pests

Cascade petunia, especially its hybrid varieties, is resistant to pests and diseases. But in some cases, the plant is affected by fungi, aphids and late blight.

Fungi

Fungal infection is the most dangerous enemy of petunia cascade, provoking deterioration in growth and flowering, as well as preventing the development of new side shoots. The presence of the fungus is indicated by the darkening and rotting of the stems of the plant. Treating the bush with antifungal solutions will help fix the problem.

Light blight

Late blight is a consequence of a violation of planting technology and oversaturation of the soil with moisture. In such cases, the bush should be treated with copper chloride - this remedy is effective both for preventive and therapeutic purposes.

Aphid

Garden aphid is localized on the leaves of the plant, depriving them of nutritious cell juice. Spraying with a solution of wood ash and laundry soap helps get rid of the pest.

Reproduction

Cascading petunias are propagated by seeds or by the vegetation method.

Seed method

Sowing seeds of the plant is done in February or March using a special container. During the first two weeks, daily moderate watering from a spray bottle is required.Then the container with petunia seedlings must be moved to a place lit by the sun, and after the formation of the first 2-3 leaves, transplant the plants into separate containers.

Vegetative method

With the vegetative method of reproduction, it is necessary to select the strongest and most attractive specimens of cascading petunias in the fall, which will be used as queen cells. Cuttings are carried out in February or March. It is necessary to carefully separate the tops of the shoots no more than 4-6 centimeters in length and immediately place them in the substrate, covering with a film on top.

At a temperature of +20-22 degrees, the roots of the plant are formed in a week. After another 7-10 days, you need to pinch the tops of the petunia cuttings for proper formation and plant them in separate containers.

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