- 1). Check the bottom of the container for drainage holes. Petunias require well-drained soil in order to grow properly. The drainage holes in the bottom of the container provide an escape route for any excess moisture in the container. Drill pencil-sized holes in the container yourself if it doesn't already have them, or transplant the petunias into another pot.
- 2). Place your petunias in full sun, or a spot that receives direct sunlight for eight to 12 hours a day. Petunias can typically tolerate only five to six hours of sun daily, but will do much better if they receive a few more hours. Your petunias will likely produce small amounts of flowers if they don't receive enough sun.
- 3). Feed your petunias with 8-8-8, 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 liquid fertilizer made for flowering plants every two weeks. Most fertilizers are added into the petunia's water; however, read the directions on your particular product for the best results. Fertilize your petunias weekly if they are of the spreading variety, such as the "wave."
- 4). Water your petunias whenever the soil appears dry. Many container petunias need watering about every day or so. Pour the liquid into the container until it comes out of the drainage holes. Petunias can tolerate relatively high amounts of heat, but need that regular watering to keep from drying out.
- 5). Remove any spent buds with your fingers to encourage new growth. Simply pull on the dead blooms and they should slide right off of the plant. The plant can redirect its energy to nourishing and creating healthy blooms once the spent buds are gone.
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