Petunia Seeds,
Sparklers

Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before your region’s last frost date. Once the risk of frost has passed and temperatures remain above 50 F, seedlings can be transplanted into the garden or outdoor containers. Since petunias are sensitive to cold, it’s important to check your local frost dates before planting them outside. If you’re not sure how to do that, check out our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.’

Scatter petunia seeds lightly on the surface of moist seed-starting mix, pressing them gently into the soil. Do not cover the seeds, as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil temperature at 70-85 F during germination. Once seedlings develop two or three sets of true leaves, transfer them into individual pots. Before moving them outdoors, gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days to prevent transplant shock.

Plant 6-8 inches apart in a sunny, well-draining area. Avoid overly soggy soil, which can lead to root rot. A thin layer of mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. To encourage compact, bushy growth, pinch back the young plants by trimming the tips of new growth. For prolonged flowering, regularly remove spent blooms. Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids and caterpillars, and make sure there’s good air circulation to minimize disease risks.

• Petunias will readily self-seed in mild winter climates.
• To save seed, hand-pick the brown seed pods.
• Take care to collect the seed pods before they burst and spread the seeds across the garden.
• Store the seeds over winter in a cool, dark, dry place.