Petunias are flowers. That's the extent of my pre-research knowledge. I've just never paid much attention to flowers. I'm generally more interest in practical things. I'm coming to realize that, thanks to companion planting, the pretty can also be quite practical.
As a Companion Plant
After doing a fair amount of reading, I'm coming to learn how handy petunias are. They repel leafhoppers, the asparagus beetle, tomato worms, cabbage worms, Mexican bean beetles, and some varieties of aphids. It's that note about being a deterrent to Mexican bean beetles that has piqued my interest. After the scorched earth campaign they waged against my beans last year, I have my hopes up. Multiple articles make mention of using petunia leaves in homemade a bug spray, as well.
In addition to the anti-insect benefits to planting petunias in the garden, some plants gain other benefits when petunias are in residence. Tomatoes, beans, basil, corn, peppers, brassicas, and grapes all are said to thrive.
Aaaaaaand there's more (wow, I feel like I'm selling for an infomercial): petunias also attract a number of beneficial insects to your garden. The scent from petunias attracts bees, butterflies, and moths.
Growing Petunias
It's recommended to start petunias from seed indoors (or purchase transplants from a store). Due to the incredibly small size of their seed, they get lightly dusted on top of damp seed-starting medium. Cover them with a clear plastic top in a warm (70+ degrees) room and allow them to get some indirect sunlight. Once they germinate allow them to grow a little, then remove the top. Transplant as you would other plants. Grow under a fluorescent fish tank/plant light setup until you're ready to take outdoors for hardening and eventual transplant outdoors.
It's recommended that petunias be planted at least 1' apart. Once they grow beyond 4" tall and wide, they're prime candidates for deadheading. As dead flowers are removed, new growth is encouraged and your petunias will thrive as a result (provided adequate sunlight, watering, etc).
As a Companion Plant
After doing a fair amount of reading, I'm coming to learn how handy petunias are. They repel leafhoppers, the asparagus beetle, tomato worms, cabbage worms, Mexican bean beetles, and some varieties of aphids. It's that note about being a deterrent to Mexican bean beetles that has piqued my interest. After the scorched earth campaign they waged against my beans last year, I have my hopes up. Multiple articles make mention of using petunia leaves in homemade a bug spray, as well.
In addition to the anti-insect benefits to planting petunias in the garden, some plants gain other benefits when petunias are in residence. Tomatoes, beans, basil, corn, peppers, brassicas, and grapes all are said to thrive.
Aaaaaaand there's more (wow, I feel like I'm selling for an infomercial): petunias also attract a number of beneficial insects to your garden. The scent from petunias attracts bees, butterflies, and moths.
Growing Petunias
It's recommended to start petunias from seed indoors (or purchase transplants from a store). Due to the incredibly small size of their seed, they get lightly dusted on top of damp seed-starting medium. Cover them with a clear plastic top in a warm (70+ degrees) room and allow them to get some indirect sunlight. Once they germinate allow them to grow a little, then remove the top. Transplant as you would other plants. Grow under a fluorescent fish tank/plant light setup until you're ready to take outdoors for hardening and eventual transplant outdoors.
It's recommended that petunias be planted at least 1' apart. Once they grow beyond 4" tall and wide, they're prime candidates for deadheading. As dead flowers are removed, new growth is encouraged and your petunias will thrive as a result (provided adequate sunlight, watering, etc).
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