Petunia cultivation and management techniques
Petunias can be sown throughout the year in protected areas, particularly in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. To ensure flowering around May 1st and National Day, seeds are typically sown in October to November for autumn blooms and June to July for spring production. Before planting, the growing medium should be moistened, and the small seeds should not be covered with soil, as this can hinder germination. After sowing, maintain a temperature of 22-24°C, and seedlings usually emerge within 4-7 days. Once the first pair of true leaves appears, apply a diluted nitrogen fertilizer (5010-6) and ensure good ventilation. Gradually introduce light to the seedlings.
When the seedlings have 2-3 pairs of true leaves, the temperature can be lowered to 18-20°C. Every 7-10 days, apply a 0.1% urea solution or a 0.1% NPK fertilizer (15-15-15). Proper ventilation is essential during this phase to prevent disease. It's recommended to spray chlorothalonil or thiophanate-methyl at 800-1000 times dilution every other week.
Once the plants have three pairs of true leaves, their root systems are well-developed, and the care requirements remain similar. Continue with proper ventilation and disease prevention measures.
For transplanting, 288-cell seedlings are commonly used. Autumn-sown seedlings are directly placed into 13 cm diameter pots, while spring-sown ones are usually transplanted into 10 cm pots. Alternatively, they can be grown on a seedbed before being moved to the final containers.
Lighting adjustment is important. Petunias require some shade after transplanting during hot summer months to help them acclimate. However, full sunlight is needed for healthy growth afterward.
Temperature control is crucial after transplanting. The ideal temperature is around 20°C, and it should not drop below 15°C. If temperatures are too low, flowering may be delayed or prevented. For National Day blooms, greenhouse production is often necessary to avoid early flowering due to cold weather. For May 1st blooms, open field production is possible, but winter frosts must be avoided to prevent leaf damage.
In the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, most petunia production takes place under protective structures.
During cultivation, watering should follow the principle of "not overwatering." In summer, use a diluted fertilizer with high nitrogen and potassium content, such as 15-15-15 or 20-10-20, at concentrations of 5010-6 to 10010-6. Winter potted plants are usually produced between March and April, with additional top-dressing if needed. Petunias generally don't require pruning, but summer crops may benefit from it. If plants aren’t sold immediately, a light pruning can help improve appearance before repotting.
Pest and disease management is essential. Common diseases include damping-off in the seedling stage and stem rot later on. These can be controlled using chlorothalonil or thiophanate-methyl at 800-1000 times dilution. Common pests include diamondback moth, aphids, and leafrollers, especially during National Day flower production. Avoid using cypermethrin for aphid control, as it can cause phytotoxicity.
Quality standards for potted petunias vary by season. Winter-grown plants in 12 cm pots typically have a crown height of 20-25 cm, with a neat and uniform bloom. Summer-grown plants in 10 cm pots usually have a shorter crown, around 15-18 cm. Petunias are known for their ability to withstand long-distance transport.
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