How to plant petunia seeds for seedlings. How to plant a petunia for seedlings and care for flowers before transplanting into open ground. Sowing on peat tablets

Petunia is a popular flowering annual that is found in almost every garden. Amateur flower growers have plenty to choose from. There are ampelous and bush varieties of petunias with different sizes, shapes and colors of flowers.

This plant, like all others, has its own secrets of successful cultivation. It is advisable to own them in order to have not stunted bushes on your site, but lush, luxuriously flowering specimens of petunias. In this article, I will tell you in detail when and how to plant petunias for seedlings.

Why should petunia flowers be grown from seedlings?

Petunia seeds are not advisable to plant immediately in the ground. Indeed, in this case, the plant will bloom only by the end of summer. It is best to grow seedlings yourself, then you will be sure that plants of the variety you need will appear in your garden. By caring for seedlings, you can guarantee normal growth and health.

Particular attention should be paid to the quality of the seed material, pay attention to the fact that the seeds are not expired.

When should I plant petunias for seedlings in 2020?

Successful cultivation of petunias for seedlings also depends on the timing of sowing seeds. It is important that by the time of planting in the ground, the plants are strong enough, of the required size. In addition, petunia seeds are very small and germinate for a long time. Many consider this culture capricious. It is at the stage of growing seedlings that the process is not always successful.

On a note! In ampel varieties, seed germination is slower compared to conventional varieties. This must be taken into account. All types of ampelous petunias are sown 2 weeks earlier than the rest.

The timing of sowing petunia seeds for seedlings according to the lunar calendar in 2019 - 2020

If you have already prepared seeds, containers, soil for planting petunias, it's time to get acquainted with the terms of planting work according to the 2018-2019 lunar calendar. Experienced gardeners have long made it a rule to adhere to the recommendations of the lunar calendar regarding all manipulations with plants. For sowing, picking, transplanting, there are both favorable and unfavorable days.

Important!If you take into account the phase of the moon when working with petunias, you will be able to get strong, healthy, profusely flowering plants.

For a capricious petunia, the timing of sowing seedlings is no less important. These flowers are also traditionally grown in seedlings due to the size of the dusty seeds and the soil requirements of the seedlings.

If you have the opportunity to organize high-quality lighting for seedlings, you can plant seeds even at the end of the year, in which case you will transplant already blooming bushes into the ground in spring. Sowing for seedlings of petunias according to the lunar calendar is carried out on the same days, which are also favorable for other annuals.

Auspicious days in 2019:

• in November - 9, 14, 21, 22;
• in December - 3-5, 8-12, 27, 31.

Bad days in 2019:

• in November - 1, 2, 7, 14, 15, 23, 28, 29;
• in December - 2-4, 7, 8, 10, 17-19, 21-23, 26.

Auspicious days in 2020:

• in January - 10, 11, 15-19, 20;
• in February - 1, - 4, 6, 10, 11, 16 - 18, 25
• in March - 3, 4, 5, 27, 28
• in April - 1, 2, 7, 8, 14, 24, 28

Bad days in 2020:

• in January - 5-9, 22;
• in February - 9, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27
• in March -1, 2, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 19 - 24, 31
• in April - 3, 4, 5, 9, 11 - 13, 15 - 22,

On a note! Sowing dates vary depending on the species of petunias. Cascading varieties need to be sown 2 weeks earlier than standard forms, dwarf small-flowered varieties, on the contrary, are sown 2 weeks later.

Planting on those dates that are not on the list does not affect the growth of seedlings and the development of plants in any way - these dates are considered neutral.

Attention!All of the dates listed are taken into account when picking, as well as planting seedlings in open ground and have the same meaning!

Planting dates should be considered based on the specific region and climate. In some climatic zones, the earth warms up earlier, in others later. It is necessary that the timing of planting seedlings in open ground coincide with the onset of stable heat, without possible night frosts. Let's take a look at specific regions as an example:

1. Moscow region. In central Russia, petunia seeds for seedlings are sown from February 1 to February 15. Then by the beginning of May it will be possible to get bushes ready for planting in the open air.
2. Volga region. For this region, petunia seeds are sown from the last days of February to mid-March. To prevent seedlings from stretching, organize additional lighting, then the seedlings will be compact and powerful.
3. In Siberia and the Urals seeds are sown in early March. Earlier sowing dates are inappropriate. The seedlings will have to be overexposed, as a result it will stretch.

On a note!Overgrown seedlings are more difficult to adapt and take root in a flower bed, can get sick for a long time - all this will affect the quality of flowering.

As already mentioned, the timing of planting petunias depends on the specific region. Fans of early flowering recommend sowing petunias for seedlings in the middle lane from mid to late December. In this case, single flowers per plant can be obtained as early as April. Of course, with this you can surprise your neighbors in the country, but growing such seedlings is associated with certain difficulties.

The second half of December is characterized by the shortest daylight hours, respectively - the light for plants will be sorely lacking. In order for the seedlings to successfully sprout and develop, it will be necessary to organize powerful illumination for 12 hours a day, which is not profitable from an economic point of view. In general, lighting when sowing petunias for seedlings is used, even if the plants are planted in January and February.

On a note! Only in March, daylight hours increase so much that the seedlings begin to get enough light.

Should I plant in January, early February?

In January and February, seeds of ampelous petunia varieties are usually sown due to the fact that they need more time to germinate. The further south the region, the earlier it is recommended to sow. After all, in open ground such seedlings can be planted earlier. However, weigh your options. From the moment the seedlings appear, you will need to illuminate the seedlings in the mornings, evenings and on cloudy days.

The cost of finished petunia seedlings can be called significant. If you have to fill a hanging container, the purchase will most likely not burden you. But to fill a large flower bed with petunia seedlings, you have to spend money. Therefore, many decide to start sowing seeds on their own.

If you master this process from personal experience, in the future you will be able to grow such seedlings without difficulty. To begin with, it would be nice to master some of the subtleties for success in this matter. Start by buying seeds, preparing the soil, and acquiring a planting container. Follow the recommendations of the lunar calendar and growing rules. Then you will definitely succeed!

Sowing

The soil for petunias should be loose, light and nutritious at the same time. When buying it in a store, you need to pay attention to the composition. Choose a potting mix that does not include high-moor peat. Petunia does not like acidic soil. For seedlings, a substratum based on lowland peat is ideal.

In extreme cases, you can reduce the acidity of the soil by adding a teaspoon of dolomite flour, or limestone, to it. The advantages of a purchased substrate are that it is sterile and does not contain impurities, which is very important when growing seedlings.

When preparing the soil yourself, you should mix soddy soil, peat and sand in a ratio of 2: 2: 1. The thoroughly mixed mixture is calcined in the oven or poured abundantly with a solution of potassium permanganate. It is most convenient to grow seedlings in a plastic container, or peat cups. Drainage must be laid at the bottom, then a layer of soil with a height of at least 6 cm is poured.

Granular seeds are more convenient for planting, but they have a high cost. An economical option would be to buy loose seeds, there are up to several hundred of them in a bag. For more convenient sowing, the seed material is mixed in a separate bowl with river sand.

The resulting mixture is spread over the surface of the earth in a thin layer and moistened from the sprayer. More laborious will be the method using a wet toothpick, or tweezers. In this case, the seeds are individually laid out on the surface of the soil. Seedlings germinate at a temperature of 20-22 degrees and maximum lighting. The first shoots begin to appear after 5-7 days.

picking

It is necessary to dive seedlings when they grow to a height of 4-5 cm. You will need a narrow knife with which you can get seedlings from the ground. For each of them, it is recommended to pinch the root at a depth of 3 cm. After that, the plants are planted in separate cups. If the sprouts are too stretched due to lack of light, when planting they are buried in the soil to the cotyledon leaves.

This technique will also help prevent the development of the "black leg". After picking, the seedlings will begin to develop rapidly and will soon turn into strong bushes. It is much more convenient to plant plants from individual cups than from a common container. The roots are less injured and the seedlings take root faster.

Before the seeds hatch, the crops are kept under a plastic wrap, which must be lifted daily for airing for 20-30 minutes. Condensation that forms on the covering material must be removed, as small seedlings are easily susceptible to decay. When true leaves appear, the film is removed. If the seedlings are too long, you can add a little earth to the pots.

Helpful advice! The top layer of the earth must be carefully loosened, avoiding the formation of a hard crust, otherwise the seedlings may suffocate.

At first, despite the care, the seedlings will grow rather slowly. Don't worry, that's how it should be. After 1-1.5 months, the development of seedlings will go more actively.

Petunia is considered a moisture-loving crop. She definitely needs the soil to always remain slightly moist.. If you skip watering, the earth will dry out, and seedlings can die in a matter of hours. Therefore, before picking, plants are moistened from a spray bottle three times a day.

Having planted seedlings in separate pots, you can water them from a watering can, but this must be done very carefully. Pour water under the root, trying not to get on the plants.

A few drops of Epin can be dissolved in water for irrigation to increase the immunity of the petunia.

Do not pour large amounts of water at once. Lightly moisten the soil first, let the moisture soak in, and then water a little more.

In open ground, petunia is watered once or twice a day, depending on the weather. It is best to do this in the evening hours. At low humidity and high air temperature, introduce additional morning watering, which is done an hour before sunrise.

In the event that you sowed petunia seeds in mid-March, the seedlings will not need additional illumination. Petunia sown in January-February must be illuminated. Illumination allows you to extend daylight hours, ensures symmetrical growth of plants, provides the necessary spectrum of rays.

Conventional incandescent lamps are not suitable for this, they heat up too much and have a low light output. For illumination, fluorescent lamps and special phytolamps for plants are suitable. Both are more expensive than incandescent lamps, but pay for themselves through a long service life and low power consumption. Additionally, reflectors can be installed.

On a note! Seedlings planted in February require at least 4-5 hours of additional lighting daily. Petunia buds are able to form only in conditions of 13-hour daylight hours.

Due to crowded planting and unsuitable conditions for growth, petunias can become ill with fungal or infectious diseases. This will be manifested by slow growth, twisting and yellowing of the leaves. Of the pests on petunias, they settle: spider mites, thrips, midges.

Fungal diseases will be prevented by watering plants with infusion of wood ash. You can also cope with a small number of pests with folk remedies, using, for example, an infusion of garlic or a soapy solution. If the measures taken were ineffective, use industrial preparations.

In granular form, seeds of hybrid petunia varieties are most often sold. It can be terry, ampel, multi-color species. Such seeds are expensive, in a bag there are from 3 to 7 pieces. Therefore, it makes no sense to purchase granular seeds for planting in a flower bed. They are suitable for growing petunias in hanging pots and decorative containers.

Sowing such seed material is extremely simple. The granules are laid out on the surface of the soil a few centimeters apart and lightly pressed down. They do not need to be covered with earth. The germination rate of such seeds is higher than that of conventional seeds. After sowing, the granules are covered with a film and wait for the emergence of seedlings.

To sow seeds in this way, the container is pre-filled with soil, after which a thin layer of snow mass is laid out on the surface. After that, the seeds are poured onto the snow, I try to distribute them evenly. On a white background, the seed material is clearly visible.

If the seeds have fallen too thickly, some of them are transferred to another place with tweezers. The snow will gradually melt, and will drag the seeds along with the melt water to the desired depth. Watering planting in this case is no longer necessary. The container, as with other sowing methods, is covered with plastic wrap on top.

After the seedlings have grown strong enough, have grown a lot of foliage and strong roots, they can be planted in open ground. Plants must be hardened off before planting. The move to a new place of residence will take place from May 10 to June 15. The exact timing depends on when the seeds were sown. Especially to delay the landing on the street is not worth it. The faster the petunia takes root, the faster it will bloom.

Good afternoon, dear visitors of my blog! It's no secret that petunia is a favorite of flower growers. This is an ornamental plant with fabulous coloring and a delicate aroma. Each grower tries to plant at least a few petunia flowers. They are planted in flower beds on personal plots. Or in boxes and pots on the balcony of a city apartment.

This beauty is very whimsical. It is required to first grow seedlings and only then plant them in the ground. You can buy ready-made seedlings. It just won't save you the hassle. Firstly, petunia seedlings are not cheap. Secondly, we cannot know exactly when these seeds were sown and whether they were of good quality.

Thirdly, purchased seedlings may be affected by pests or infectious diseases. Therefore, the bushes may not be accepted after transplantation. Moreover, they will infect other plants planted nearby. That is why it is better to learn how to grow seedlings on your own. This is not difficult, given the timing of sowing and some other tricks.

ampelous petunia

It is characterized by thin falling stems, hung with bright inflorescences. Real flower garlands. There are many members of this group. One of the most popular is Black Velvet. This is a strongly branching plant, the length of its stems reaches 35 cm. The flowers are large with a velvety surface. They grow up to 8 cm in diameter. Choose ampelous seeds if the plant will be planted on a balcony or terrace.

cascading petunia

Its feature is that it first grows up and then sags. The invariable favorite among florists is the Gioconda variety. This beauty is highly branched. And she is all strewn with luxurious flowers. This variety is also loved for its ability to adapt to a wide range of temperatures.

In addition, petunia can be multi-flowered and large-flowered. Plants of the first group are bushes dotted with many buds 5-7 cm in size. Usually they are unpretentious and not capricious. They bloom for a long time, almost until frost. But large-flowered plants are more whimsical. For them, lighting, temperature and watering are important. Their inflorescences are large and incredibly beautiful.

How to choose petunia seeds?

Decide on these questions:

1. Where will you plant? If in the ground, then it is better to choose bush varieties. And for a balcony or hanging planters, it is wiser to give preference to cascading and ampelous plants.
2. What effect do you want? Would you like your eye to be pleased with a flower "hat" in a pot? Then Multiflora is at your service. If your plans are to create an unusual landscape design, then choose large-flowered, terry varieties.
3. What shade do you need? Think about whether the plant you have chosen will harmoniously fit into the overall flower arrangement.

But, even having decided on the variety, do not rush to immediately buy seeds. Inspect the packaging carefully. Make sure the date is not overdue.

Stale seed has poor germination. Therefore, it is better not to take risks, but to buy a “fresh” product.

Choose packaging with code F1. He indicates that the seeds of the first generation after crossing. The seeds marked F2, F3 have lost some of their valuable qualities.

And yet, these seeds are almost microscopic. Therefore, some manufacturers produce pelleted seed. But everything is not so simple here. There are some nuances that are important to remember when choosing such seeds:

Coated material has higher moisture requirements. If watering is insufficient, the seed coat will not dissolve, and therefore future shoots will not please.

It is better to purchase seed from trusted manufacturers. Otherwise, you can not wait for shoots.

As for the price, it may vary. Elite hybrids are expensive. But representatives of the classic varieties are much cheaper.

When and how to sow petunias for seedlings

It is important to remember one "golden rule" of the florist.

A healthy petunia will flower 12 weeks after sowing the seeds. Therefore, seed should be planted in January or February.

And this is on condition that you have an additional source of lighting. Which will allow young sprouts to develop properly. If there is not enough light, the seedlings will be thin and frail. And, unfortunately, at the first attack of pests, they will die.

If, when planting seeds, you rely only on daylight, it is better to postpone sowing. In winter, the sunny day is small. In this case, it is wiser to wait for the beginning of spring. But it's also not worth the hassle. Remember: the later you plant, the later you will admire the flowers.

Since we decided to sow petunias in accordance with all the rules, we must also look into. Write down these dates.

Favorable days for sowing in 2019:

• February - 1, 2, 3, 7, 11, 13, 16;
• March - 7, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16;

Adverse:

• February - 4, 5, 19;
• March - 3, 4, 6, 21, 30, 31;

The first step is to prepare the seeds, soil and containers. Let's start with the latter - they should be shallow (up to 10 cm). Suitable for both plastic and wooden crates. Or any suitable container.

Be sure to disinfect the dish with an antiseptic. For this fit "Ekobio", "Antizhuk" or "Biosept".

If the box is wooden, put a clean sheet of paper on the bottom of the container. And then fill the boxes 1/3 with expanded clay. This will prevent the seedlings from rotting.

What soil is good for petunias?

• a mixture of turf, peat, humus and sand in a ratio of 2:2:2:1;
• a mixture of fertile soil with hydrogel (recommended proportions 1: 1);
• special soil purchased at a flower shop.

Before use, the soil mixture must be prepared. Ignite in the oven, or spill with boiling water. And you can also treat the soil with a pale pink solution of potassium permanganate. All this is done in order to kill the larvae of pests. If they are there, they can destroy future shoots. The treated soil must be allowed to cool before sowing.

In no case do not water from a watering can! Since, due to the strong pressure of the water, the seeds will be strongly immersed in the soil!

There is another proven way to plant seeds in the soil. A thick layer of snow (about 3 cm) should be laid out on the surface of the soil. Something, and now we have this good in bulk.

Then sprinkle the seeds evenly directly on the snow. Melting, it will completely dissolve the shell of the coated material. And besides, the snow will press the seeds into the soil exactly as much as necessary.

Next, the container must be covered with glass or plastic wrap. This will create a greenhouse effect inside. This is an incredibly practical solution. You will not need to water tiny seedlings every day. And they, by the way, will appear on the 3-4 day after planting the seeds.

Excessive accumulation of condensate must not be allowed. Turn glass or polyethylene over daily, dry side down. And do not forget to ventilate the ground for a few minutes a day.

Video on how to sow petunia seeds in peat tablets

There are many more ways to sow. The most entertaining, in my opinion, is the planting of "seeds" in toilet paper. However, this option also has the right to life. Moreover, some consider this method trouble-free. And its additional pluses are that it is financially accessible.

But for beginner flower growers, planting in peat tablets will be the best option. It's not difficult at all. And how to sow petunia in peat tablets, this video will tell you.

How to properly care for seedlings for early flowering

Petunia shoots are very tender. Therefore, they need proper care, otherwise they will die. It includes the following aspects:

1. Watering. It must be moderate. Excessive moisture will lead to rotting of the sprouts or their defeat by the fungus. With a lack of moisture, the seedlings will dry out. For irrigation, I recommend using melted or settled water at room temperature. You can moisten the seedlings through the pallet. Or with a syringe, drip directly under the roots of seedlings. In cloudy weather in February-March, it is better to water in the morning, and if it is sunny outside, then in the evening.

2. Lighting - in the first days after sowing seeds, it should be around the clock. To do this, you need phytolamps or LED lamps. They should be placed at a distance of 20 cm from the container. As the seedlings grow, the need for daylight will gradually decrease to 12 hours.

3. Temperature. The best option is the mode of 23-26 degrees.

If the temperature is lower, sprouts will not appear. At a higher level, it is more likely that the seedlings that have risen will fall ill and die.

When the seedlings "hatch", they need to be hardened. To do this, reduce the temperature during the day to 20 degrees, and at night to 16.

4. Top dressing. If the seedlings are rather weak, you can sprinkle them a couple of times with a growth stimulator. Suitable "Bud" or "Epin". And a week after the appearance of sprouts, feed with mineral fertilizer. For example, Florin.

5. Pick. It should be done when the sprouts have 2-3 leaves. To do this, you need to prepare glasses.

In the bottom of each of them you need to make a hole so that the water does not stagnate. And fill the container with the same soil that was used to sow the seeds.

In the center of each cup with soil, you need to make a hole for the root. We select the largest seedlings. We carefully remove them from the common box and plant them in cups. After that, do not forget to water the plants.

When and how to plant a petunia in open ground

It is possible to plant adult seedlings in open ground for early flowering as early as mid-May. But before that, seedlings need to be accustomed to new living conditions for them. To do this, take the seedlings out to the balcony or garden for two weeks. First, briefly: for 10-15 minutes. Gradually increase the time.

By the end of the two week period, the seedlings should be outdoors all day long.

Try to disembark in the evening hours or in cloudy weather. The distance between individual sprouts depends on the petunia variety. It can vary from 20 to 30 cm. Do not make the holes too deep, but not less than 10 cm. Before planting, water the plants and let stand for several minutes. Then carefully remove the seedling along with the earthy clod and lower it into the hole.

If the nights are still cool, cover the seedlings with a covering material. Take it off during the day. Let the petunia harden. Plants quickly adapt to a new environment. A week after planting in open ground, you can not cover them at night. A little more time will pass, and the petunia will give you a beautiful and colorful bloom.

I hope that today's article will help you find the answer to all your questions. And your petunia seedlings will be healthy and strong. And chic clubs will appear near your house or your balcony will “flourish”. More fabulous flower beds for you!

Write your questions and wishes in the comments. If you liked the article, press the buttons of social networks to save it on your page.

A favorite flower that adorns most front gardens and balconies all summer long, it is very demanding to grow. When and how to plant a petunia for seedlings, many flower lovers ask, moreover, even those who have already grown this delicate beauty.

Faced once with the difficulties of sowing and growing petunia seedlings, many simply refuse and prefer to buy ready-made plants from grandmothers in the market or in a flower shop. But, you see, it can be very expensive, and what was promised does not always grow. I once bought petunia seedlings, and marigolds grew. That was such a hassle.

If you live near a holiday village or in a private house, then you can easily establish and sell it. My neighbor in the village does just that, and not at all in the loser. The main thing here is to understand what this flower needs, what conditions.

When and how to sow petunias for seedlings

Even if you live in the far north, don't sow petunia seeds before March. It's all about the plant's light-loving nature. the longer the daylight hours, the better and stronger your seedlings will grow. Although it is recommended to illuminate it, it is still more comfortable for the flower to grow in daylight.

With the right actions and observing the temperature and light conditions, the seeds begin to sprout already on the fifth day. But the growth of seedlings is very slow, you need to wait two months for the plant to be ready for planting in the ground. Therefore, just as you should not rush into sowing, you should not delay it if you want the flower to bloom early.

Before sowing the seeds, I would advise you to better understand what we will sow, that is, decide on the variety.

Varieties of petunias, what to plant?

Sowing time also depends on the variety. These are such unpredictable flowers. For example, small-flowered petunias begin to bloom the earliest, so sowing should be done a little later.

Ampel varieties

How beautiful it is when a gazebo or balcony is decorated with lush bushes of bright colors in hanging planters and drawers. Ampel varieties are very popular precisely because they allow you to create a lovely corner of the Garden of Eden even on the balcony of a city apartment.

Of the ampelous varieties are known:

• pearl surf
• light wave
• Waterfall

You can also grow an ampelous petunia simply in a flower bed, then its long shoots do not hang down, but spread like a carpet around the bush. With such a landing, you need to leave more space for her.

Bush varieties

Some of the most famous and widespread, the most unpretentious and charming:

• Grandiflora
• Multiflora
• Milliflora

In these three series, varieties of amazing shapes and colors are collected, among them many hybrids appear every year, which are better adapted to external conditions and less whimsical.

cascading petunias

Lush huge bushes, with long, hanging shoots, will help you decorate a gazebo or porch, create an intricate design from different varieties.

Among this species, there are also common favorite varieties:

• Typhoon
• Cherry

Terry varieties

Terry inflorescences, chic and heavy, are found in all types of petunias, they are bushy, cascading, and ampelous. Terry petunias are fascinating, eye-catching, but they are more demanding on growing conditions and care.

Soil preparation, where to plant?

If you have already selected varieties and determined the time when to plant petunias, then you can prepare the soil for seedlings. For such small seeds, the soil is the most important. In dense and heavy soil, the seeds will not be able to sprout, they need a very loose, light and moisture-intensive substrate.

I use several varieties of potting mixes for growing seedlings, it all depends on what I have available.

1.First option:

• One piece of garden soil
• Two pieces of peat
• One part of leaf humus

2.Second option:

• One part of ready-made universal primer
• One part of river sand
• One piece of peat

3.Third option:

• One piece of leafy land from the forest
• One piece of peat
• Two parts of garden land
• Perlite

I consider peat tablets to be the most convenient option for sowing petunias, in this case there is no need for picking, the plants are then immediately planted in tablets in the ground.

As you can see, you can make different mixtures, as long as they are loose and retain moisture. To enrich the soil, I use potash fertilizers, wood ash and perlite or vermiculite as additives for looseness.

Lumps of earth or peat can interfere with seedlings, therefore, after mixing the soil, I usually sift it through a sieve. I throw out all large fractions so that nothing prevents the seeds from germinating.

What to plant?

Petunia seedlings do not need deep containers to grow. Enough of some drawers or special containers for gardening. Last year I tried to grow petunia seedlings in egg cells, it also turned out well.

Flower growers who have already grown petunia seedlings know that the sprouts are very small and tender; at the slightest deviation from the norms in care, they simply die. An excess of moisture is very terrible for them. Therefore, we lay a layer of drainage on the bottom of the tanks, it can be expanded clay or broken brick.

The soil also needs to be disinfected, spilled with boiling water, steamed or frozen. Tanks are also processed before sowing. We pour the soil not reaching 1-1.5 cm to the edge of the container and level it well so that the surface becomes absolutely even.

Sowing petunia seeds - we follow all the rules

Seeds are usually sold placed in a capsule. There are coated ones, in a shell, already with the addition of trace elements. These are more convenient to sow, they can be seen on the surface of the soil. Simple, untreated seeds are dark and very small. It is inconvenient to sow them, it turns out either empty or thick, which is why they came up with sowing them on a layer of snow scattered over the surface of the soil. So black seeds can be evenly distributed, and then the snow will melt and pull the seeds into the soil.

It is well known to all gardeners that small seeds are not embedded in the soil, sometimes in some plant species they are crushed from above with sand. Petunia seeds cannot be buried at all, they must be on the surface, they need light to peck.

In order for our seeds to sprout safely, they need conditions with a constant temperature of +25 degrees and a fairly high humidity of 98%. But you can’t water them after sowing, they will simply be washed away with a stream of water and then you definitely won’t wait for seedlings.

You can not overheat small seedlings, in which case it stretches, becomes thin and fragile. Then weak plants are obtained from it, which may not bloom at all.

We create "greenhouse" conditions with the help of a sprayer, we only pour warm melt water, and shelters. For shelter, the non-woven fabric that we use for shelter in the garden is best suited. It transmits light well and allows the seeds to breathe, but at the same time retains heat.

Watering

Watering the seeds before germination is carried out from the sprayer. The water temperature is slightly higher than room temperature, + 23-24 degrees can be maintained.

After the appearance of the first sprouts, we also use a sprayer, if possible we try not to get on the plants, only on the soil. It's another matter if your tender creatures are sown in pills, just the same warm water is poured into the pan where they are located.

The soil should be constantly moist, not wet or dry. Do not bring to the formation of a crust on it, otherwise all the work will go down the drain.

seedling care

The first shoots can sometimes be seen already on the fifth day after sowing. But we are not in a hurry to reveal them right away. It is necessary to reduce the temperature, but we will do this gradually, over several days. The first time we will remove the shelter for ten minutes, then for half an hour and so on.

Soon the seedlings will get used to living at normal temperatures, but at night it should not be lower than +16, and during the day +20 degrees. To accurately know and control it, put a thermometer nearby.

If you notice that the soil has begun to compact, a crust has appeared, then gently loosen it, I do this with an ordinary wooden toothpick.

In the first two months, it seems that the seedlings do not grow at all, they sit in one pore. In fact, at the beginning there is an active build-up of the root system, and only then does the aerial part begin to grow.

If you have a dark apartment and the seedlings do not have enough light, then illuminate it with any lamps, you can use bio or ordinary - daylight. Pre-exposed seedlings grown with sufficient light will bloom earlier.

Seedling picking

A petunia is usually dived when the seedlings grow more than a centimeter so that there is something to dive. Before the procedure, we prepare:

1. We will prepare the containers where we will plant the plants.
2. Prepare the soil, you can use the same soil.
3. Water the seedlings and let the water soak in to make it easier to pull out the roots.

It is very convenient to do all the manipulations with seedlings, armed with a dental spatula, with which the material is applied to the teeth. If not, then take a toothpick. Separate the plants from each other by deepening the toothpick to the entire height of the pan, to the very bottom, then pull out small bushes and place them in the recesses in the cups.

After planting, the soil does not need to be tamped down, just compact a little so that the bushes do not collapse. If long horses come across, then they need to be shortened a little just with your fingers.

After picking, the soil should also be watered under the root and with warm water. It will shrink a little more and thicken.

It remains to wait for the moment of landing in open ground, in our cold Siberia this is the beginning of June. All this time, seedlings also need moderate moisture, the temperature can be reduced to +18. Long shoots, if they stretched more than 7 cm, need to be pinched. In general, pinching and shaping a bush depends on the type of your beautiful petunia.

Petunias are beautiful flowers that adorn not only gardens, but also terraces, balconies, loggias and windows of dwellings. In terms of splendor and duration of flowering, as well as the abundance of colors, varieties and hybrids, this perennial, grown in culture as an annual, surpasses many flowering plants. But there is one difficulty that confuses even experienced flower growers - not everyone manages to grow petunia seedlings.

And the secret to success in the first place is to know exactly when to plant a petunia for seedlings.

When to sow petunias for seedlings in 2020

Small petunia seeds germinate for a very long time, and in order for the plant to bloom in June, the cultivation of petunia seedlings from seeds begins in February or March. What days according to the lunar sowing calendar are the most favorable for sowing petunia seeds?

Sowing petunias for seedlings January 2020 of the year

The timing of sowing petunias for seedlings in February 2020

Sowing petunias in March 2020 for seedlings

Sowing petunias for seedlings April 2020 of the year

How to grow petunia seedlings from seeds

Soil for seedlings of petunias

Petunia seedlings are grown in neutral or slightly acidic soil - it is desirable that it be a loose nutrient mixture that can retain moisture, but not jam. In flower shops, you can buy a ready-made soil mixture, for example, the Stender universal substrate, but in 5 liters of such a mixture you need to add a half-liter jar of wood ash, 250 g of perlite, a tablespoon of potassium sulfate or the same amount of Kemira and mix everything well.

You can prepare soil mixing two parts of soddy land, humus and well-decomposed peat with one part of sand. Or make soil from garden soil, sand and peat in a ratio of 1: 1: 2. After you thoroughly mix the ingredients, sift the soil twice through a sieve: the first time through a large sieve, the second time through a smaller sieve. Then the soil composition is shed with a strong solution of potassium permanganate or Previkur's solutionprepared in accordance with the instructions.

Sowing petunias for seedlings at home

As for petunia seeds, you need to buy them from reliable manufacturers, otherwise you may have difficulty germinating them. Dried seeds do not need to be subjected to pre-sowing preparation, but it should be noted that they germinate poorly in dry soil due to the fact that their shell does not dissolve. If you are purchasing regular seeds, be sure to find out the terms and conditions of their storage. Seeds must be fresh as poor seed germination is a major problem in growing petunia seedlings.

How to plant a petunia for seedlings? At the bottom of the container treated with a solution of potassium permanganate, and then washed with clean water (it can be a wooden or plastic box at least 10 cm high with drainage holes), place fine expanded clay, and place a disinfected soil mixture on top of it in such an amount that from the surface of the soil to the edge of the dish 2 cm remained. If there is snow in the yard, lay it on the ground and lightly tamp - petunia seeds are best sown in the snow. Spread the seeds on top of the snow layer and cover the container with film or glass. When the snow melts, the seeds will be drawn into the ground.

To evenly distribute small petunia seeds over the surface of the soil, it is better to pre-mix them with sand.

If there is no snow, then the seeds are laid out on moist soil, and then they are lightly sprayed from a fine spray gun and covered with a transparent material that does not allow air to pass through. Don't plant seeds Petunias only grow in the light. Contain crops in a well-lit place at a temperature of 25 ºC.

How to grow petunia seedlings in tablets

Dragee seeds are best sown in peat tablets. Petunia seedlings are grown in medium-sized peat tablets - 3.5 or 4.5 cm in diameter. The tablets are soaked in water to swell, then the excess water is drained, the tablets are placed in a tall tray, one seed is placed in each tablet with a match or a toothpick, and then pour each seed with water with a pipette - the seed coat should get wet. After 3-5 minutes, carefully spread the sagging shells to make it easier for the seeds to germinate, cover the tray with a transparent lid and place the crops in the brightest place where the air temperature is kept within 25 ºC.

Growing petunia seedlings in tablets contributes to better seed germination and greatly facilitates the care of seedlings, since it eliminates the need to pick them, which injures the root system. And by the way, by the color of the tablets it is easy to determine whether the seedlings need watering.

Growing petunia seedlings in cassettes

The most convenient containers for growing petunias are cassettes with cells - they can be used repeatedly, they save space and avoid picking seedlings. Now on sale you can find cassettes with a different number of cells, and the more cells in the cassette, the smaller they are.

For petunia seedlings, it is better to use cassettes with large cells. The height of the cells must be at least 10 cm.

As a soil, you can use all those soil mixtures that we have already described in, or you can grow petunia seedlings in tablets by placing them in swollen form in the cells of the cassette. Otherwise, sowing seeds and growing seedlings in cassettes are carried out in the usual manner.

Buy petunia seedlings - is it worth it?

For beginner flower growers, the question of whether to buy petunia seedlings or grow them yourself is of particular importance, since not everyone can grow petunia seedlings from seeds at home. If you are determined to carry out the whole process from start to finish, then start by choosing quality seeds, but if you are not confident in your knowledge and do not have experience in growing seedlings, then you can simply purchase seedlings from well-established manufacturers, especially since in the spring it is not a problem.

When buying petunia seedlings, pay attention to the condition of the substrate in which the seedlings grow: it should not be wet. If the seedlings have shrunken tops and yellowing leaves, this may be a sign of chlorosis and evidence that the seedlings are dying off the roots. You should also not buy overgrown seedlings, since the seedlings already in the garden can stretch out a lot or, conversely, their growth will freeze - it all depends on how much the root system has suffered. Carefully inspect the leaves of the seedlings from the underside to make sure there are no insects, otherwise the time and effort that you saved will be spent on fighting.

petunia seedling care

Growing conditions for petunia seedlings

How to grow petunia seedlings at home? The optimum temperature for germination of petunia seeds is 24-25 ºC. Hybrid varieties are especially picky about temperature conditions - at a lower indicator, their seeds do not germinate, and at a higher indicator, the seedlings get sick and stretch. If you observe the necessary temperature conditions and provide the crops with good lighting, seedlings will appear in 5-7 days, and from that moment on, the crops need to be ventilated twice a day: the cover is removed, the condensate is removed from it and the crops are left uncovered for the first time for 20 minutes, next time for 40 minutes and so on. At the same time, the temperature in the room is gradually lowered during the day to 20 ºC, and at night to 16 ºC. At first, seedlings develop very slowly, since they first of all build up the root system. In addition, at the end of February and in March, they need additional lighting. If the shoots are too thick, thin them out with tweezers.

When the seedlings begin to touch the cover, remove it completely, but continue to maintain soil moisture at the same level.

Illumination of petunia seedlings

For normal development, seedlings in the first weeks of growth need light almost around the clock - with good lighting, seedlings develop faster, and flowering occurs earlier. In the future, the plant needs 11-12 hours of daylight at a maximum illumination of 50,000 lux, so the backlight is turned on at 7-8 in the morning and turned off at 21-22. After picking, the illumination level is raised to 55,000 lux. For artificial lighting, phytolamps, LED, gas-discharge or fluorescent lamps are used, installed above the seedlings at a height of 20 cm.

Watering petunia seedlings

It is very important to learn how to water petunia seedlings, because the plant needs a balance of moisture: waterlogging leads to fungal diseases, while drying out of the soil destroys seedlings. A syringe is used for irrigation: drip irrigation of seedlings is carried out from it under the root, trying to ensure that water does not fall on the leaves in any case, or pour water along the inner wall of the container, but it is best and easiest to use the bottom irrigation method - into the pan.

Water for moistening the soil needs soft, chlorine-free, that is, settled. The water temperature should be the same as in the room, or 1-2 degrees warmer. Just before watering, squeeze some lemon juice into the water.

In sunny weather, seedlings are watered in the evening, and in cloudy weather - in the morning.

Feeding petunia seedlings

Another feature of petunia seedlings is that they have a high need for fertilizers.

How to feed petunia seedlings? The first and second weeks of emerging shoots as the soil dries are sprayed with a weak solution of potassium permanganate or Previkur. In the development phase of seedlings with 3-4 true leaves, a solution of yellow Crystal is added to the soil (one tablespoon per bucket of water).

It is advisable to fertilize the petunia not only under the root, but also along the leaves, especially if you have a lot of seedlings. For foliar top dressing, a solution of green Crystal or Uniflora micro is used. As the seedlings grow, feeding becomes more frequent - up to three times a week, and it is better to alternate root feeding with foliar feeding.

Two weeks after picking, the seedlings are sprayed with a solution of the root formation stimulator Radifarm. For top dressing, you can also use solutions of Kemira Lux, Mortar, Aquarin or Plantafol, prepared in accordance with the instructions.

In general, if you sowed seeds in nutrient soil, seedlings may not need to be fed, but fertilizers will have to be applied to a poor substrate.

If for some reason you did not sow petunia in cassettes or in tablets, but grow it in one common container, you will have to dive seedlings. The fact is that petunia seedlings at home will grow from two to three months, and the root system of the plant is very branched, so transplanting into a large container cannot be avoided. Well, if so, then it is better to dive the seedlings into individual cups with a volume of 200-250 ml. A pick is carried out in the development phase of seedlings with 2-3 pairs of true leaves - plants with a clod of earth are transferred to a separate pot with drainage holes and so much soil is added so that there are no voids in the container.

After transplanting, do not forget to water the seedlings so that the soil settles, and, if necessary, add more soil. So that the seedlings do not stretch, the first week after picking, the room temperature is lowered by 3-4 degrees. At the same time, seedlings require shading from direct sunlight. Sometimes the picking has to be done twice.

If you are growing seedlings in peat tablets and find that roots are already sticking out of the net, plant the seedlings in separate pots right in the tablets.

You can feed the pickled seedlings only 7-10 days after the procedure.

Pinching petunia seedlings

In order for the petunia to grow into a beautiful dense bush, the seedlings are pinched.

When to pinch petunia seedlings? Hybrids and varieties of petunias with strong growth of shoots are pinched over 4-5 leaves - they break out the top of the shoot with a growth point. Subsequently, a new shoot grows from the sinus of each leaf, which means that there will be more flowers on the bush.

After two weeks, the pinching is repeated, although it may take several pinches to make the bush the way you want.

Seedlings of an ampelous petunia do not need to be pinched - no matter how much you break it off, it will branch weakly.

Diseases and pests of petunia seedlings

Of the diseases, most often petunia seedlings are affected by the black leg - a fungal disease that occurs against the background of too high humidity. First, a dark area is formed at the base of the stem, the tissue on which softens and rots. Then a constriction appears at this place, and the stem, unable to withstand its own weight, lies down. Sick specimens must be removed immediately, and the soil should be shed with Maxim, a strong solution of potassium permanganate or a forty percent formalin solution.

Another trouble with petunia seedlings can be chlorosis, which occurs due to a lack of iron. The reason for such a failure in the nutrition of seedlings is usually alkalization of the soil as a result of excessive watering. The situation can be corrected by introducing iron into the soil in a chelated form available to plants. Contains iron chelate in Ferovit.

Damages tender leaves of seedlings and spider mite, which appears in conditions of increased dryness. The tick is a sucking pest that feeds on plant cell sap, but the danger of its presence is not only this - ticks, like other sucking insects, can be carriers of viral infections. The best remedy for ticks are acaricides - Aktellik, Neoron, Fitoverm and other drugs of similar action.

Preparing petunia seedlings for planting in open ground

After picking, when the seedlings take root and grow, you can begin to prepare them for planting in a permanent place. Seedlings are hardened for two weeks, gradually accustoming seedlings to open air. First, the seedlings are taken out to the balcony or into the garden for 10-15 minutes, but the duration of the hardening sessions increases daily. Before landing in the ground, which is carried out from mid-May to mid-June, seedlings should be outdoors around the clock.

Petunia will grow and bloom in any area, but if you want the flowering to be plentiful and long, allocate a sunny place for it with fertile loamy soil. Clear the area of ​​weeds, dig, add compost or humus to the soil.

Seedlings are planted in open ground in cloudy weather or in the evening, after sunset. The depth of the hole should be at least 10 cm, and the distance between the plants depends on their variety. For example, large-flowered petunias are planted at a distance of 23-25 ​​cm from each other, small-flowered ones - at a distance of 18-20 cm, and an interval of 28-30 cm is observed between bushes of ampelous petunias. Seedlings are well watered so that they can be easily removed from pots or cells, and rolled into the hole along with the entire earthen clod.

After this article, they usually read