Petunia

A new, naturally dwarf non-stretching grandiflora petunia, Espresso Grande boasts superior garden performance. The compact habit is easier to hold in greenhouse production and results in superb shelf life during shipping and at retail. In the garden, it will develop into a vigorous but low-growing mound shape.

Use a well-drained, peat-based growing mix with a pH at 5.5 to 5.8 and EC less than 1.5. Avoid burying plugs to keep the crown of the plant out of the media.

Temperatures for rooting out after transplant should be 65 to 68° F. Temperatures for growing on can be lowered to 62 to 65° F. Avoid growing cooler than 60° F before flowering as cool temperatures will delay flowering

Light levels should be maintained at 3,000 to 5,000 foot-candles. HID lights can be used to extend day length beyond 14 hours during periods of low light. This will promote more compact growth and earlier flowering. Night break lighting can be used but can cause stretching.

Practice a good wet/dry moisture cycle to control height and root growth. Petunias can tolerate mild wilting.

Due to the naturally compact, branching habit of Espresso Grande, little or no growth regulators are required.