The Wave CrewWave Petunias | Cool Wave Pansies
There are a few guidelines to remember when watering Wave to create the best environment in garden beds, hanging baskets and containers.
Garden Bed Watering Needs
Plant petunias in well-draining beds. Avoid locations where water tends to collect after rain or irrigation, as petunias don’t like soggy soils. To establish a healthy root system, newly planted petunias need evenly moist soil for the first few weeks after planting. Once established, reduce watering to once every 7-10 days. Don’t let the soil dry out completely.
Watering Wave in Containers
Containers (planters, hanging baskets, window boxes, etc.) dry out faster than garden beds. When you put Wave in containers, you’re limiting their roots’ ability to seek out hydration. In the heat of Summer, a container may need watering twice a day. Wave petunias can stand a bit of drying out between waterings, but don’t let the container get so dry that the plants wilt. A good rule is to stick your finger into the soil. If it feels dry all the way down, it’s time to water. The general weight of the container will tell you when it’s time to water, too. A light, easy-to-pick-up basket probably needs a good soak. A slightly heavier basket means the roots have what they need.
Good drainage is a must. Wet or saturated roots will rot and leave your plants open to disease. Be sure there are enough holes in the bottom of your container to let excess water run out.
Proper watering keeps your petunia plants healthy and blooming. Deep watering helps the petunias produce long, healthy roots. Watering lightly and frequently can cause the petunias to grow weak, with shallow roots, which inhibits their ability to seek out moisture and soil nutrients.
HOW to Water Your Petunias
Plants take up moisture through their roots, so the most efficient way to do this is to place your hose under the flowers and leaves close to the soil. This also prevents wasting water because with overhead watering you inevitably water more of your patio than the plant! Keeping water off the flowers also helps to prevent diseases which can cause the flowers to melt and go mushy.
If you are overhead-watering (garden beds), try and water in the early morning so the flowers have time to dry out through the day.
Bonus Tip: Mulching Petunias to Retain Moisture
Mulch helps keep moisture in the soil by inhibiting evaporation. Use mulch on both beds and container-grown petunias to retain as much moisture as possible in the soil. Apply a layer of 2-3 in. (5-8 cm) over garden beds and a layer of 1 in. (3 cm) over the top of the soil in containers. Mulch also helps prevent weed growth when it’s used over petunia beds.
