Overview
Petunias bring vibrant color to patios and porches, but they need the right care to flourish in hanging baskets in East Texas.
Sunlight & Placement
- Petunias need 6-8 hours of sun daily but appreciate some afternoon shade in extreme heat.
- Hang baskets where they get good airflow to reduce disease risk.
Watering
- Check baskets daily—water when the top inch of soil is dry.
- During hot weather, water in the morning and evening to prevent drying out.
Fertilizing
- Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 1-2 weeks for continuous blooms.
Pruning & Maintenance
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
- Trim back leggy stems by a few inches to keep the plant full and bushy.
Heat Protection
- In extreme summer heat, move baskets to partial shade during the hottest part of the day.
- Adding mulch or moisture-retaining crystals to the soil can help prevent rapid drying.
