Petunia Ampelnaya

Petunias are one of the most serious competitors of royal roses. Manifold
shapes and colors and unpretentious nature make them very popular, as well as
suitable for widespread cultivation.
Among the petunias, a special place is occupied by Ampelny petunias, whose densely creeping
shoots strewn with flowers serve as a living decoration for balconies, loggias, verandas and
arbors. In general, ampel petunias are no more demanding than traditional bush petunias.
varieties, but still there are a number of preferences that should be considered. Taking care of these
spectacular colors will allow them to fully reveal their decorative qualities. IN
This article will discuss how to properly care for ampelous varieties of petunias.

The main characteristics of ampel petunias

The main advantage and distinctive feature of ampelous petunia is its
unusual stems. Firstly, its shoots can grow up to 120 cm, although
there are also more modest specimens, barely reaching the 30 cm mark.

Slightly raised at the roots, at a certain moment they begin to droop and
falling down. Secondly, ampel petunia leaves are characterized by
the presence of the edge, as well as rather large sizes. Sheet plates
increase as the plant grows.

Flowers of ampelous varieties of petunia in shape, as a rule, resemble
large bells. They are located on the stems one by one, because
each sinus is capable of forming only one flower. In spite of this,
ampelous petunias bloom profusely, and numerous flowers cover
shoots along the entire length.

The color variety of ampelous varieties of petunia is striking: there are
monochromatic specimens, painted in various shades of white,
purple or other color. Often the flowers of ampel petunias have
double color, when the surface of the petal is covered with veins of another
shade, or there is a difference between the colors of its inner and outer
sides.

Often ampelous petunias are confused with cascadingalthough the latter are
a variety of the former and have their own characteristics, which we are talking about
will go below.

Differences between ampelous and cascading petunias

At first glance, cascading and ampelous petunias are really almost
impossible to distinguish. Both those and others have luxurious creeping
shoots strewn with numerous bright flowers. Meanwhile, this
external similarity hides significant differences. Below
the most typical of them are listed:
1) One of the main differences between the two varieties of petunias
lies in the length of the shoots. If for ampelous varieties the average
the indicator is about 1 m, and the maximum is 1.5 m, then the shoots
cascading petunias can grow up to 2 m.
2) The thickness of the shoots in cascade and ampel petunias also differs: in
the first to grow stronger, more powerful and at the same time very flexible stems,
able to grow strongly.
3) Shoots of ampelous varieties almost at the very base begin to droop,
rushing down. Cascading petunias form shoots that are slightly
rise at the base, forming a lush flower pillow, and then
fall down the walls of the flowerpot.
4) Cascading petunias have less abundant flowering than
ampel varieties. Moreover, there are fewer of them.
compensated by a large diameter, as well as often different colors
flowers growing on one petunia bush.
5) Caring for cascading and ampelous petunias also differs in
certain points. Ampel varieties are not too content
volumetric containers - pots, small flowerpots, hanging
pots. In order to successfully grow a cascading petunia, its
the owner will have to acquire quite spacious flowerpots, or even
place the plant in a high flower bed. Also, cascading varieties
petunias need to pinch the tops of the creeping shoots. IN
the case of varieties in which shoots grow horizontally or under
angle, this procedure will not only be beneficial, but can also reduce
growth rate of shoots and weaken the whole plant.

The most popular varieties of ampel petunias

It is not so easy to identify recognized favorites among ampel petunias
due to their diversity. The most common varieties are listed below.
ampel petunias, which have received recognition from gardeners around the world.
1) The group is distinguished by its unpretentious character and variety of colors
varieties of ampelous petunias "Easy Wave". Sometimes the plants of this
varieties are classified as semi-ampelous varieties because of the lush floral
a cap that crowns a vase or pot from which hang strewn
flowers shoots. "Easy Wave" looks equally good in floor and
hanging pots, and sometimes grown in open flower beds and even on
beds in the front garden. Shoots of this petunia variety can grow up to 1 m
and during the flowering period they completely hide under bright flowers. What
concerns care, then for the successful cultivation of "Easy Wave" you will need
quite capacious containers with a volume of at least 8 liters. Moreover, these
petunias are sensitive to the lighting regime, therefore, with a lack of
sunlight, you need to take care of the sources of artificial
Sveta. Additional illumination will allow Easy Wave to bloom profusely on
throughout the season, until the arrival of the first frost. Related
the group of varieties "Shock Wave" is presented with luxurious
terry petunias, whose flowers look spectacular against the background of an emerald
foliage. Plants of these varieties are most often grown in indoor
conditions. Another close relative of Easy Wave and Shock Wave is the variety
Wave Purple Classic. It is characterized by early and
flowering stable throughout the season. In a mild autumn
this variety can bloom until early October. Shoots "Wave Purple
Classic "quickly grow up to 1 m.
2) Surfinia are very popular among ampel petunias -
plants with very strong shoots that can grow
up to 2 m, which brings them closer to cascading petunias. Thanks to this
features of petunia-surfinia can withstand bad weather and successfully
recover even after being hit by a stormy wind. The height of the crown of these
plants can reach 70 cm. Due to the resistance to
adverse conditions surfinii will feel good not
only in the sun, but also in a slightly shaded corner. Some gardeners
grow them in beds and open flower beds. Color range
surfinii is quite extensive and includes various shades
red, pink, white, purple and blue colors. Table Yellow
(Table Yellow) is a relatively new variety of this group of petunias, already
who managed to win the sympathy of flower growers.
3) Another popular group of varieties of ampel petunias - "Avalanche"
(Avalanche). Their flower petals are usually colored red,
orange, pink, white or blue colors.
4) Another varietal group of ampelous petunias under
the name "Velvet" (Velvet). The flowers of this group are characterized by
velvety covering of the petals. Surfinia "Velvet" is very
attractive to pollinating insects and are known for their
melliferous qualities. Among them, it stands out for its unusual color.
petunia "Black Velvet" - the diameter of its velvet flowers
a very dark shade can reach 8 cm.The height of the lush crown
is 25-35 cm. Purple Velvet can
boast quite long shoots for ampel petunias,
which for a short period of time can grow up to 1 m.
5) Hybrid varieties "Opera Supreme»(Opera Supreme) refers to
small-flowered ampel petunias. The advantage of this variety
is its unpretentiousness: it is not required for abundant flowering
additional lighting. In a closed room "Opera
Supreme ”can bloom almost all year round.
6) Ampel petunias of varieties of the Explorer series demonstrate
the widest range of colors, impressive even for petunias. Durable
and flexible shoots of these plants grow up to 1.5 m and safely
tolerate stormy winds, and the waxy coating on the leaves makes them
insensitive to rainwater.
7) Variety "Purple Waterfall" (Cascade Purple) is referred to as semi-ampel
petunias, which look equally impressive both in pendant and
floor pots, containers, flower beds. "Purple Falls"
it is resistant to adverse weather conditions and heat.
Another advantage of this variety of petunias is the early maturity.
sowing and flowering. You can start planting at the end of winter,
it is enough to provide the seedlings with additional lighting.
8) Another large-flowered variety of ampelous petunias is called
Rapunzel. Its shoots, growing up to 80 cm, during the period
blooms are covered with flowers with a diameter of 8 cm.This variety is good
tolerates drought and heat, therefore it is optimal for gardeners who do not
having the ability to regularly water the plants.
9) Early flowering is typical for the variety "Success Violet"(Success Violet).
The height of the bushes of these petunias can reach 35 cm, and the length of the shoots
ranges from 70 to 90 cm.

Algorithm for planting ampel petunias

Despite their unpretentious nature, ampelous petunias need
compliance with certain agrotechnical recommendations when planting and in
growing process. This will allow you to get abundant and long-lasting
bloom.

Today in specialized stores you can buy
seeds of various varieties of ampel petunias, so the seed method for them
breeding is the most popular. Breeders and Experienced
growers often use the grafting method, especially when necessary
propagate a rare and expensive variety. However, for amateur gardeners it is quite
seed propagation is suitable.

Many varieties of ampel petunias can be planted at the end of winter - in
the last days of February. Early landing is possible subject to availability of a source
additional lighting, otherwise it will fail.
The optimal time for planting petunias is mid-March,
when the length of daylight hours is enough for the seedlings to receive
enough sunlight. It is the lighting that plays
a primary role in the cultivation of ampel petunias. Sow
seeds of ampel petunias later than the second half of April are not recommended.

Another important component of a successful planting is nutritious soil. He
should not only contain the necessary for the growth and flowering of petunias
components, but also be loose enough and good air permeability and
moisture. You can make your own petunia potting mix. For
it is necessary to mix in equal parts bog peat, humus, sod
and leafy ground, and add 1 - 2 parts of sand. However for beginners
for florists, the best solution would be to buy a ready-made potting mix in a store -
in this way it will be possible to maintain a balance in the composition of the soil, which is more difficult to achieve
at home.

Place in the same area, flower bed or in one flowerpot different varieties of ampelous
petunias are not recommended: this will most likely lead to their over-pollination.
The procedure for planting petunias includes the following steps:
1) Shortly before the planned sowing, it will not be superfluous not only
loosen, but also sift the soil.
2) On the eve of sowing, it is recommended to water the soil abundantly and add
dry sand.
3) After sowing, containers with soil must be covered with plastic
foil or place under a glass cover.
4) The containers with crops themselves are best placed in a room with
temperature not lower than +21 degrees.
5) Subject to the sowing rules, the first shoots should appear after
week. It is necessary to provide them with a constant level of humidity,
avoiding both overdrying of the soil and stagnation of moisture.
6) Plastic wrap or glass cover can be removed after
how the seedlings will form several true leaves.
7) When young petunias get stronger and acquire a branched root
system, they can be transplanted into open ground or on a flower bed.
It is best to choose an evening on a cloudy and dry day for this procedure.
8) When transplanting seedlings, it is important not to destroy the earth lumps,
formed around their roots, and replant with them.
9) The average size of planting holes for petunia bushes is 10cm
* 10 cm.If you plan to plant several copies at once, you should
leave an interval between them, which is determined by the expected
the diameter of the crown of an adult plant. Large-flowered varieties are better
place at a distance of at least 24-25 cm between individual
bushes. But in the case of planting ampel petunias, it is best
keep a distance of 30 cm.
10) In order for the seedlings to take root quickly and without problems,
it is recommended to mulch the soil around them. Ale for this purpose will do
humus or peat, which will not only help to retain moisture in the soil,
but also protect the root system of young plants from overheating or
frost.
11) After all the procedures, it remains to water the seedlings and then make sure that
the soil in pots or in a flowerbed did not dry out.

Seeds are collected during the flowering period: in small-flowered petunias, it
begins 75 days after sowing, in large-flowered plants - 2 weeks later. For
the lower flowers are suitable for this, since they are the ones that give the seed of the best
quality. You can extract seeds from full-fledged, ripe and have time to fade
flowers. It should be borne in mind that seed propagation is not suitable for
terry varieties of petunias, since it does not allow to preserve varietal characteristics. Even
experienced florists and professional breeders do not always succeed in achieving
the desired result by sowing seeds: flowers are obtained of different sizes and
saturation of color, which negatively affects the decorative qualities of petunias. IN
in general, the seed method of reproduction is quite laborious, especially at the very beginning
vegetative processes, when it is necessary to adjust the lighting regime. Light
is necessary for seedlings of petunias not only during the day, but also at night, when it is possible only
slightly muffle. The thermal regime is no less important, since at low
At temperatures, seedling growth may slow down. In this regard, many gardeners and
designers prefer to purchase ready-made petunia seedlings, which are sold in
special pots. All that remains is to plant them to get abundant flowering.
throughout the season.

The best place for growing ampelous varieties of petunias will be the south side.
houses or the southern and southwestern border of the garden plot. Daily petunia bushes
must be exposed to light for at least 17 hours, the minimum duration of the period
lighting for them is 14 hours.

As for the composition of the soil, petunias prefer loams, sandy and
sandy loam soils.It is important that the soil is well aerated, will not interfere and
a drainage layer at the bottom of the pot or flowerpot, which will protect the root system of petunias
from decay. In the case of growing petunias in the open field or in an open flower bed, do not
it will be superfluous shortly before planting to dig up the soil and fertilize it with humus or
thoroughly rotted manure.

Instructions for the care of ampel petunias

Ampel petunias are not capricious in character, however, their shape
requires a special approach, otherwise these ornamental plants can
it is easy to lose your attractive appearance. Caring for them is
in moistening the soil, making dressings and occasionally pinching
the tops of the shoots. It is also important to correctly organize the off-season
storage of ampel petunias. Below each of the procedures is discussed in more detail.
in detail.

1) Watering mode
Deficiency of moisture in the soil is destructive for ampel petunias and at first
leads to the formation of a sticky coating on their leaves. If
ignore this symptom and do not adjust the humidification regime
soil, there is a risk of losing the plant. Suitable for watering clean, good
settled water. It does not need to be specially mitigated, with rare exceptions.
Water should be poured very carefully: it should only moisten the soil, without getting into
while the leaves and flowers of petunias. It is best to direct the stream from the watering can at the root.
plants. Moisturizing the surface of petunia leaves and petals will cause them to lose
their decorative qualities.

Ampel petunia seedlings need less water than
adult plants: their green mass requires regular watering, except
In addition, it is recommended from time to time to completely dip the bushes in a container of water.
In this case, excess moisture in the soil should also be avoided, since in this case
there is a high risk of developing root rot, which will destroy the petunia. It is important to keep an eye on
the state of the soil and not to confuse the drying of its upper layers with drying
all the soil in a pot or flowerpot. Often the deep layers of the earth remain moist, while
while the surface is already dry. It is quite simple to check the degree of soil moisture:
you need to scoop up a little earth and grind it between your palms. If the ground is crumbling quickly
without getting your hands dirty - it's time to water the petunias, otherwise you can wait with watering.
Probably every florist is faced with a situation where there is no way to regularly water
ampel petunias - for example, during a long absence. The way out of this dangerous for
position colors can be the use of aqua gel, which contributes to the retention of water in order to
in order to subsequently feed the plants with it. This method will prevent water evaporation and
reduce the frequency of watering by 2-3 times. Aquagel is usually a powder or granules,
rarely produced as a liquid. Substances included in its composition, for example, potassium, can serve in
as a fertilizer for plants. By its composition, aquagel is harmless and environmentally friendly,
because it dissolves without a trace.

The next day after the watering procedure, you need to loosen the soil and, if necessary, weed.
It is important to avoid compaction of the topsoil and the formation of crust as it will not
allow moisture and air to pass through. Oxygen deficiency can lead not only to starvation of the root system
ampel petunias, but also cause it to rot.

2) Fertilization
The first application of top dressing coincides with the planting of petunia seedlings - fertilizing the soil for young
bushes will help them adapt and take root faster. Suitable as mineral dressings
ready-made complex mixtures that contain everything necessary for the growth and development of ampelous petunias
substances. Fertilization should be done at the same time as watering to protect the root system
plants from chemical burns and accelerate saturation
soil with useful elements. At first, young petunias need fairly frequent application
dressing. It is best to implement them by alternating weekly cycles: humates are introduced in the first week,
the second is potassium sulfate. You should be careful with organic fertilizers, or even refuse them.
at all. Fresh manure or compost can become a source of fungal infection.
As the ampel petunias grow and develop, the amount of fertilizer decreases: just add
in 10 liters of water, only 5 g of the mixture to achieve the desired effect. Some growers prefer
separate watering and top dressing: for example, water the petunias in the morning, and fertilize the soil in pots in the evening.

3) Pinching shoots
The procedure for pinching the tops of the shoots promotes more active formation of leaves and flower ovaries.
Thanks to this, ampelous petunias grow faster, bloom more abundantly and retain an attractive appearance on
throughout the season. Lateral shoots begin to develop especially rapidly, on which a large
number of colors.
During pinching, up to two-thirds of the length of the shoots is removed. The first procedure should be carried out during the period
seedling growth. It is optimal to choose the moment when real leaves appear on the seedlings - at least 5 on each
bush. Ideally, by this time, the seedlings are already in the open field, but do not tighten either
recommended, since overgrown ampelous petunias are more difficult to form a crown.
In addition to pinching, it is periodically necessary to carry out pruning, which will allow the remaining shoots to receive
the bulk of the food and develop faster. In order not to harm the appearance of the ampelous petunia, you should
carry out the trimming procedure in several stages. The plant will painlessly survive the removal of 2-3 shoots per week.

4) Storage of ampel petunias
For off-season storage of petunias, a bright room with an air temperature of + 7-10 degrees is suitable. Place containers
with petunias in the basement or pantry, it is dangerous, since the plants need lighting even during wintering.