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Nov 29, 2021
10 Most Common Questions About Growing Wave Petunias... With Answers!
The Wave Crew  Wave Petunias | Cool Wave Pansies
How often should I fertilize my Wave petunias?
Wave plants are petunias are fast-growing, so they need plenty of nutrition to give them energy for bloom production. If you notice a yellowing on the leaves, that’s a sure sign your plants need a dose of fertilizer. Adding feed to your watering schedule about every 10 to 14 days is a good routine.
 
 
Where is the best place to plant my Wave petunias?
Petunias are perfect for locations exposed to full sunlight. If you plant doesn’t get enough sunlight, it won’t thrive.
 
How often do I need to water my Wave petunias?
Water petunias in the ground every 7-10 days during dry weather. Container plants may require daily watering to keep the soil moist, but not soggy.
 
One way for you to test the dryness is by the weight of the pot. If it feels heavy, you should have sufficient water for the time being. You can also stick your finger in the soil and pull out a small amount. If you can roll the soil into a ball and squeeze water from it, you have too much water. If you can’t roll it into a ball and it blows away, you need to water it. The perfect soil will roll into a ball and will not release water.
 
 
Do I need to deadhead my Wave petunias?
No, removing old blooms is optional depending on your desire for perfectly manicured plants or a more natural look!  New blooms quickly grow alongside the old ones. Cut petunias back by about half if they look tired and straggly in mid-Summer. This will stimulate the growth. The rejuvenated plants will soon return with a burst of fresh, colorful blooms.
 
When should I plant my Wave petunias in the garden?
In the Spring, after any chance of frost has passed, space Wave Petunias 12 to 24 inches apart in garden beds.
 
 
Is it ok to move my Wave petunias from a container to the garden?
You can transplant a larger container or basket of Wave Petunias right into the garden. But don’t attempt to break apart the plants or cut through the roots. That will harm the plant’s root-base and inhibit its ability to take in water and nutrition.
 
How do I keep my Wave petunias from getting too leggy?
Preventing leggy petunias requires pruning the branches by one quarter or half on a regular basis. Your petunia plant may be in full bloom when you do this, but it will keep your plant looking full and colorful, so it is worth it.
 
 
Do I need to mulch my Wave petunias?
Mulch helps keep moisture in the soil by inhibiting evaporation. Use mulch on both beds and container-grown petunias to retain as much moisture as possible in the soil. Apply a layer of 2-3 in. (5-8 cm) over garden beds and a layer of 1 in. (3 cm) over the top of the soil in containers. Mulch also helps prevent weed growth when it’s used over petunia beds.
 
How many Wave petunia plants should I plant in my hanging baskets and containers?
We recommend 3 Wave plants in a 10 to 12-inch basket or container. Too many plants in a small basket or container will have your Wave petunias fighting for the nutrients they need to spread and cascade over the sides.
 
 
How far apart should I plant my Tidal Wave petunias?
Tidal Wave petunias grow according to how you space them: Spaced 12 inches apart, they form a dense, mounded hedge. Spaced a little farther apart – about 18 inches – they will perform as large, mounded bedding plants.
 
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Tags: Care Tips Petunia
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Reader Comments (3)

Hello,
Thanks to all the information about care of petunias. I love this plant and it's one of my favorite, but every time I plant them they only last for 2 to 3 weeks and they starts wilting. I water and fertilized them every 2 weeks. And I love deadheading them. I don't know if its too much sun or humidity here. I live in NC

Thank you
Gloria
Friday, June 3, 2022 | Gloria Galaviz

I planted 4 petunia wave seeds in a 12 inchbasket is that two many or should I plant more ?
Thursday, April 20, 2023 | Gail Feliciano

Hello Gail!
Four Wave Petunias in a 12-inch hanging basket will be just fine. You'll definitely have a very full, lush basket! I just want to be sure I understand your comment: You say you put Wave Petunia "seed" in the basket. Did you directly sow the seed? Petunias do not have the advantage of being directly-sown (like Zinnia, Sunflower, Cucumber, or Marigold, for example). They generally are started indoors in a warm, controlled environment over the course of several weeks before they will be ready to be placed outdoors. We highly recommend our blog article "Tips for Growing Wave Petunias from seed" here: https://www.wavegardening.com/en-us/Blog/2013/02/20/tips-for-growing-wave-from-seed.html If you have any questions, please reach out to us or send us a question on Facebook @WaveGardening
Friday, April 21, 2023 | Katie, Wave Petunia Team Member