Dannette Hunnel
The parties are done, the decorations are down, and the holidays are over. We step outside and find our yards looking a little bland. Yet there are a few cold nights and even colder mornings yet to come. So, what to do to add color to your landscape? Petunias!
While autumn is a petunia’s ideal planting time, February is still within the window for good growth and color in Arizona’s low desert. Petunias are readily available in most nurseries in February, because petunias thrive in the cooler weather and bloom beautifully. Be prepared to protect them from any late frosts (below 35 degrees). Protect by covering the plants with a bed sheet or large piece of burlap. I prefer burlap, as it is more lightweight and seems easier to store when not in use. Furthermore, burlap doesn’t get wet and heavy, as does a cotton sheet; therefore, no drying time is required after removing from the plants in the morning. Just fold and store them away. Be sure to remove all coverings by 9 a.m. so the plants can reap the benefits from a full day of sun. Best for abundant blooms! No special amendments are needed.
By planting in February, petunias can establish roots and provide vibrant color from March through possibly June as the weather permits. Petunias will need increased waterings as temperatures rise in the spring. Water new plants daily for the first couple of weeks, then adjust to once daily. You should soak the soil, but not so much as to have any standing water, meaning slow and proper drainage is always necessary, as well as the full sun. Pinch off spent blooms weekly to keep your plants bushy and flowering.
Just imagine all the instant color in your formerly bland winter yard.