Petunias keep dying - Ask Extension
Wondering why every petunia we've planted this year has died.
Some background:
-we have grown petunias in these containers every summer for at least 8...
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Petunias keep dying #422476
Asked August 21, 2017, 9:43 AM EDT
Wondering why every petunia we've planted this year has died.
Some background:
-we have grown petunias in these containers every summer for at least 8 years. Always with other plants - similar to what you see in the photos.
-soil is reworked/added to every year
-this year, we added in some "orgainic" soil we got at Lowe's. It had wood chips in it. Cut this soil with some of the existing soil and just a potting soil
-all our pots have good drainage
-on anticipated hot dry days, these plants are watered in the morning (they get full afternoon sun)
-we've replaced the petunias several times this year - plants from different nurseries. We've tried different types of petunias (bushy, trailing, wave, proven winner....)
-all the pots have been given a weak fertilizer solution a few times this summer (miracle gro)
-None of the other plants are affected! We have geraniums, potato vines, basil, ice plants...all of these remain fine. In the first picture, you may be able to see some white petunias in the back - these are in our neighbor's containers and have been fine all summer.
What happens: the plants start off very healthy. They settle in well and take off We get excellent growth and blooms. Then, about 3-4 weeks in, the plants will start to look a little wilted. Blooms and leaves droop, wilt. Within a day, the entire plant will simply become crispy and quite dead. Not all the plants in a container go at once. In the pictures, you'll see the latest "kills" alongside petunias that are doing ok for the moment.
Attached: 1) photo of the containers on the balcony, 2) dead plant next to ok one, 3) close up of a dead petunia.
We are wondering if this might be a soil disease? plant virus? too much rain? fungus? Any suggestions for preventing this next year are very welcome.
Baltimore City County Maryland
Expert Response
We viewed your photos. Petunias can get leggy and overgrown as well as can be susceptible to phytophthora a major root disease. This used to be called a fungus.
To prevent all you can do is after the growing season, wash your containers with a mild bleach solution. Use fresh potting media when you plant in the spring. It is possible you can bring it in on plants from the nursery. You will have to monitor and decide if you want to grow them.
Legginess can still occur. During the summer months petunia plants can get leggy and may even stop blooming. Prune the shoots back to about half their length. You can cut back to within a few inches of the base if needed, but do not remove all their leaves. Fertilize with a liquid fertilizer. Water well to force out new growth and flowers.
You can also cut back the older stems once more in late summer as temperatures start to become cooler will force more branching and heavy flowering until frost. Also, keep the spent blooms and seedpods picked off, and pinch back the sideshoots frequently.
mh
To prevent all you can do is after the growing season, wash your containers with a mild bleach solution. Use fresh potting media when you plant in the spring. It is possible you can bring it in on plants from the nursery. You will have to monitor and decide if you want to grow them.
Legginess can still occur. During the summer months petunia plants can get leggy and may even stop blooming. Prune the shoots back to about half their length. You can cut back to within a few inches of the base if needed, but do not remove all their leaves. Fertilize with a liquid fertilizer. Water well to force out new growth and flowers.
You can also cut back the older stems once more in late summer as temperatures start to become cooler will force more branching and heavy flowering until frost. Also, keep the spent blooms and seedpods picked off, and pinch back the sideshoots frequently.
mh
