Petunias are the best summer staples in your annual beds. These showstoppers are appreciated for their ability to cascade and overflow with flowers. These beauties add stunning pops of colour wherever they are needed. Luckily, there are a few maintenance tasks you can consider to keep your petunias revitalised throughout the summer season.

1. They need to get enough sunlight

The petunia flowers need at least 6 hours of full sunlight each day. The sun helps provide energy, allowing your flowers to grow. If your petunias are getting less than six hours of light a day, then consider moving them to a sunnier location to encourage more blooms. On very hot days, give your petunias some reprieve in the afternoons by moving them to a lightly shady spot. As long as they still receive a full morning of direct sun, you should still see an abundance of blooms.

2. Water them well

You need to keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. During the summer months, petunias grown in pots will likely need water every day, sometimes even twice a day, but those growing in the ground can go longer between waterings. Use a drip system to ensure you never forget to water.

3. Space the flowers properly

Proper petunia spacing avoids overcrowding, which reduces airflow and increases the risk of disease. It also ensures each plant receives enough sunlight and nutrients. Avoid competing for nutrients in the soil. So when transplanting, disturb the roots minimally and keep the plant at the same soil level as in its original container. This way, your petunias will continue thriving.

4. Offer your flowers a nice trim

Once the stems of your petunias start looking sparse, typically when they are fully established, you need to give them a light trim by cutting back the branches a few centimetres. Pruning sessions will encourage new growth with denser leaves that give new petunias a new lease on life. Pruning is highly needed. An all-over haircut is also great for rejuvenating leggy petunias. Just use a sharp pair of pruning shears to trim back. Your plant will take a week or two to recover from the trim, but the result is a fuller plant with more blooms going forward.

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With these actionable tips, you can grow lush, colourful petunias from early spring through the very end of summer. Both beginner and veteran gardeners can achieve vibrant displays by following these tips.

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