THE PETUNIA.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 267, 10 November 1934, Page 6 (Supplement)

THE PETUNIA.

GOOD FOR GREENHOUSE OR OUTSIDE. The petunia is a eun-loving plant, and can enduro a considerable amount of drought without showing signs of distress ; although it is certainly the better for receiving timely attention in this respect. Besides its use as a "bedder," it is excellent as a pot plant, and in hanging baskets it is very effective. For the greenhouse it is also indispensable, and here it will continue to bloom for the entire season —until, in fact, it is almost worn out. Under glass it is more easy to perceive its fragrance, which is very delicate and sweet. Petunias, especially in pots, have a tendency to become sprawling and lanky, and to make them bushy the heads should be pinched back. Do not carry out this operation, however, at the same time as repotting, as the double check is too great a strain on the plants; wait till they are established in the eoil before pinching them back. Before they become pot-bound they should be repotted. Good plants cannot be expected in less than sin pots, and even then they will require careful feeding. It is better to pot them on as they require it until the Gin or 7in size is reached. Petunias are easily raised from seed, which is sown in heat. Where no artificial heat is available, eeed may be sown about the present time, but the plants will not commence to flower until later in the season. Seedlings, as a rule, do not give more than 20 to 25 per cent of double flowers. When a good type of flower is secured, it is necessary to propagate from cuttings, which may be taken either in spring or late summer and autumn. Each cutting should be two inches or so in length, and have a heel of the old wood, if possible. Insert them in well-drained pots of sandy soil, water them in well, and cover them with a piece of glass, or under a bell-glass, until they strike.