Petunia

The Blanket series is known for its performance in garden beds and containers. They mature to 6 inches in height and will achieve a diameter of 3 feet for a single plant. Lemon Glow and Rose Star are exciting new bicolor varieties to the series.

Use a well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.2. Water thoroughly and let soil dry between irrigations. Overwatering, oxygen deprivation and poorly drained soils may cause foliar chlorosis similar to iron or manganese deficiency.

A well-balanced feed at 200- to 250-ppm nitrogen on a constant basis is recommended. Additional iron and/or manganese may need to be added to stock feed for maximum growth.

A pinch is suggested after plant is established. Blanket petunias will grow quickly and to great lengths. Two weeks after transplant, pinch again or trim dominant stems. A week later, apply Sumagic as a spray at 15 to 30 ppm or Bonzi as a drench at 1 to 3 ppm for finishing. These plants will fill containers fully in a short period of time.

Insects to watch for are whitefly, thrips and aphids. Diseases that may affect Blankets are Pythium and Botrytis.