Beautiful Petunia Surfinia

Surfinia is a unique decorative culture, which is one of the hybrids of petunia. Belongs to the ampel group, although there are dwarf, compact varieties.

Features and beauty of surfing in its powerful growth of drooping stems and abundant flowering for almost the entire season. If this flower settles on your balcony or terrace, the envy of others is guaranteed! And what a smell she has! The brighter and richer the color, the stronger the aroma.

What is this plant?

This plant was obtained at the end of the 19th century. Petunia was bred in Japan by the method of transferring cells and cell nuclei from one plant to another.

The length of the stems can reach up to 2 m. The diameter of the flowers is 2-6 cm. Their color can be very different:

• white
• pink;
• in red;
• in blue;
• purple.

Hanging long shoots, strewn with large flowers, create the sensation of a floral waterfall.

On a note. The hybrid of petunias is resistant to many diseases and pests. The difference between surfinia and classical petunia in abundant flowering.

Caring for a flower is very simple. When creating full conditions for the growth of petunia, respond with prolonged and more magnificent flowering.

Description and photo of varieties

There are approximately 25 species of surfinia that have been obtained by crossing. Read about the varieties of surfinia and see all the varieties in the photo below.

Burgundy

This is a massive and densely branching bush, characterized by abundant flowering. His flowers have a rich wine color.

Hot pink

An attractive variety with large flowers of bright pink color. Streaks on raspberry-colored petals, pronounced. They pass from the throat to the wavy edge of the flower.

Table White

This variety is one of the most popular among flower growers. Since it has snow-white petals, and the flower itself resembles the shape of bells. They densely strew the whole bush. Feature of the variety in a long flowering period. It starts in May and lasts until the cold weather.

Elou

This is the first ampel hybrid of petunias. Its flowering is early and plentiful. The color of the inflorescences is pale yellow.

Double Perple

This is a terry petunia, which has bright purple flowers. The variety is characterized by powerful growth and resistance to waterlogging in the summer. The branches at the bush are drooping, their length is 1 m. And the height of the bush is 15-20 cm.

Other varieties of terry petunias and their features can be found here.

Red

The variety is incredibly beautiful. The bush has the shape of a ball, consisting of numerous bright red flowers. Feature varieties in compact sizes.

Landing Features

Planting events are an important and crucial stage, on the correct implementation of which the further development and flowering of the petunia depends. In this case, certain recommendations must be observed:

1. The flower container should have a drainage. This is important so that moisture does not linger in the soil for a long time.
2. If the seeds are small, then mix them with sand before planting. This will evenly sow planting material over the entire surface of the prepared container.
3. Use a spray gun or manual spray to lightly moisten the soil. If desired, a growth stimulator can be placed in water.
4. At the end of planting, cover the container with polyethylene. This will create a greenhouse effect.
5. Keep container in a moderately lit place. The temperature regime should be between 21-23 degrees. As soon as the soil dries, spray it. In a week you can see the first sprouts.

Soil requirements

Surfinia prefers light, neutral or slightly acidic soil. It can be bought or cooked. For self-preparation of the nutrient mixture, you must:

1. Combine peat and vermicompost in equal proportions.
2. Then the turf land is introduced in a ratio of 1: 2.
3. To give the soil friability, supplement it with vermiculite.
4. To bring the soil mixture to pH 6.5, add lime or charcoal to it.

Lighting and location

Surfinia is a photophilous plant. The pot must be installed on the windowsill facing east or west. If you grow a flower in a shaded place, then its growth and development will stop, as well as flowering.

Care

Watering

Moisturize the soil regularly and in a timely manner. And although the plant tolerates drought perfectly, during a period of intense heat, overgrown roots require a copious amount of water.

Important! Watering is carried out strictly under the root. But only do this after the topsoil has dried out.

To prevent drying out, mulch the earth in the container.

Top dressing

Surfinia positively responds to top dressing. With their regular application, it will repay with a bright and beautiful flowering. Introduce nutritional formulations once every 7-10 days. For this, an infusion of mullein or vermistim is suitable.

Diseases and Pests

Hybrid varieties of petunias are resistant to diseases and pests. But in violation of the growing conditions or climate, surfinia may suffer.

Fungal diseases

The most common fungal diseases remain:

• white rot;
• gray rot;
• brown spotting;
• blackleg;
• wet rot.

Symptoms of these pathologies are slightly different, but almost all of them contribute to decay and death of the flower. The following reasons for their development are distinguished:

• dampness;
• high humidity;
• decrease in temperature indicators (below +14);
• thickened planting;
• acidic soil;
• the presence of pathogens in plant debris and soil.

For the struggle they use the following measures:

1. Compliance with agricultural regulations.
2. Deep digging and applying lime to the soil.
3. Timely destruction of affected specimens.
4. For processing plants use biological products (Fitosporin, Integral) and chemicals (Skor, Maxim).

Chlorosis

You can recognize the ailment by the following signs:

• the leaves lose their green color, turn whitish;
• plant growth stops;
• the flower looks depressed.

Reference. Chlorosis on petunias is a signal of errors in the care process: excessive application of potassium or phosphorus, bias of soil pH to the alkaline side.

To combat the disease, water the soil of the affected flower with an iron chelate (Mikom, Ferovit).

Whitefly

This pest can be recognized by yellowing and fading leaves. When touching the affected flower, white small acquaintances begin to fly apart and hide on the inner side of the leaves of neighboring plants. To fight use glue traps, biological products. In neglected cases, chemical preparations are used (Mospilan, Aktara).

Thrips

These pests can be identified by the presence of silver touches on the flowers and leaves. They are accompanied by necrosis of the affected tissue. Against the background of dry areas, you can find small black excrement that was left by parasite larvae. To fight use chemical agents (Intavir, Aktara).

Spider mites

This pest can be identified by the presence of yellow dots. Over time, the leaves completely dry, a thin web is visible on them. To control the use of insecticides Nero or Apollo.

Propagation Features

Surfinia propagates vegetatively and by seeds. But only the second option is complicated, since as a result a small bush grows with insignificant flowering. The climate of Russia is poorly suited for these thermophilic flowers. Growing seedlings from seeds is a time-consuming process, and the result is not guaranteed. After planting, the sprouts appear after 7 days. As soon as 2 leaves are formed, transplant the plants into separate containers.

For ordinary amateur gardeners An excellent way to propagate is the cuttings:

1. It is necessary to cut the stalk from the bush and plant it in the soil mixture. And you need to do this as quickly as possible, so that the stalk takes root.
2. Cover the plant with film and set in a dark place.
3. In the process of care, watering is required.
4. As soon as the shoot is formed, remove the film.
5. It is necessary to ensure that he is always warm.
6. With the onset of spring, it can be planted, and in the summer it will turn into a large and brightly flowering bush.

Watch a video on how to propagate surfinia with cuttings:

Possible problems

When growing a surfinia, the following problems are possible:

1. Stunting, lack of flowering. The main reason is the lack of lighting. For this, it is necessary to install a petunia on a saucer with diffused light, and in winter to illuminate the flower with the help of lamps. In addition, stunting is possible by tying up petunia branches.
2. Rotting of the roots. This problem is one of the most common. Its main reason is an excess of moisture. Petunias love the alternation of drought and complete soil penetration. Water the plant daily only if it grows in the country or on a sunny windowsill. If the black leg is affected, use the drug Fitosporin.
3. Burns on the leaves. They are formed mainly due to improper feeding. It is better to do it in cloudy weather. You do not need to immediately put the plant under the lamp, you need to wait for all the splashes to soak into the leaves.

Petunia surfinia is an amazing flower that strikes with the beauty of its flowering. In addition, it is absolutely easy to care for him, since all events are standard. Even a beginner can cope with all the work, so this is an excellent choice for those who are just starting their acquaintance with petunias.

Useful video

Watch the video on how to properly transplant seedlings of surfinia in a cache-pot:

Watch the video: How To Plant A Surfinia Petunia Combination Planter (November 2024).