WHEN TO PLANT PETUNIAS

• It’s easiest to buy young plants from a nursery that sells petunias in flats. Look for plants that are short and compact, not leggy and not yet blooming—they’ll settle in faster.
• If you are going to grow petunias from seed, start the seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before your last spring frost date. (See your local frost dates.)
• Plant young petunias outdoors after your last spring frost date, but keep a close eye on the weather forecast and protect young plants from late frosts. 

CHOOSING AND PREPARING THE PLANTING SITE

• Petunias need full sun or they will become spindly. They don’t tend to flower well in shade.
• They are quite versatile, growing well in different types of soil as long as the soil drains well and doesn’t stay wet.
• Soil should be moderately fertile to promote the best growth. Amend poor soil with compost prior to planting.

HOW TO PLANT PETUNIAS

• Petunia seeds are very small (dust-like!) and need lots of light in order to germinate.
• When the plants have three leaves, plant them outside.
• Space the plants about 1 foot apart.
• If you’re planting petunias in containers, use a container potting mix that will drain well.