Petunia Plant Information

Wikifarmer

Editorial team

2 min read
Petunia Plant Information

Petunia (Petunia x hybrida) is a member of the Solanaceae family (the family of tomato, potato, daturas, and many other species). Although some petunias, in general, can be perennial, the hybrids that are produced and commonly sold nowadays are mostly annual plants.

Petunia is a famous flower due to its beautiful multi-colored trumpet-shaped flowers. Its foliage is hairy and branching. The plant prefers sunny areas to grow. This is why it is so famous in the United States and all the Mediterranean countries. Its blooming lasts from spring to autumn and its flowers are of the most commonly recognizable flowers all over the world.

We can find petunias in many different types, heights, and colors, depending on the variety of the plant. For instance, single or double blooming petunias, single colored, linear or splashing color figures. Among the wide color variety, we can see red, white, pink, purple, light blue, yellow and almost all existing colors. Black colored petunia petals are something worth seeing!

The reason there is such a wide diversity in petunias is that throughout the years, scientists have developed various methods, such as virus infections, that cause color chimera on petals. By utilizing those methods, almost every producer creates practically his/her combination of colors.

Some of the most famous species are Petunia grandiflora, Petunia milliflora and  Petunia multiflora.

  • Petunia grandiflora, carries the biggest flowers of all and can reach a height of up to 40 cm (16 inches) height. However, we can also find hanging varieties in this category. In general, its impressive wavy flowers need protection from rain and wind.
  • Petunia milliflora carries the smallest flowers of all. Petunia milliflora does not grow over 25 cm (10 inches) in height. The plants of this category- unlike the grandiflora-   less protection from the rain. Here we can also find hanging types as well as horizontally grown varieties, suitable for planting along fences.
  • Petunia multiflora, gives flowers smaller than Petunia grandiflora, but bigger than Petunia milliflora.

Whichever type you choose, make sure you will place your plants in sunny areas. Exposure to direct sunlight will make the colors of the flowers look very intense and bright.