How to Create a Petunia Flower Box

Petunias grow in bright reds, pinks, purples, yellows and oranges, in many sizes and growing habits. These annuals grow from spring to fall across the nation for guaranteed summer color in the garden, or in corners and along rails in planters. Choose small flower boxes and planters for focused plantings and prepare them with rich soil and fertilizer. Plant petunias in the same shades or in a rainbow of colors for decorative effect.

Drill
Newspaper/cloth
Garden soil
Organic compost
Fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Plant petunias in spring after last frost to provide the best possible start. The plants fail in frost and die if temperatures drop under 50 degrees F. If you're using flower boxes attached to a structure, choose boxes that get full, bright sun for five to six hours every day. If you're using free-standing planters, move them to a spot that gets this amount of sun.
- 2
  Drill two to three holes in the bottom of solid boxes to ensure drainage or use planters with drainage holes; petunias fail in standing water or muddy soil. Line the bottom of the planters with newspaper, magazines or cloth to contain the soil and allow water drainage.
- 3
  Mix 1 part garden loam or potting soil to 1 part organic compost to build a rich, crumbly and moist foundation for petunias. Petunias don't require extreme nutrition in their soil but do best with fertile, quick-draining soil with room for root growth. Turn 10-10-10 granular fertilizer into the soil for more starting nutrition.
- 4
  Plant small petunia cultivars from the Multiflora or Miniflora families to ensure compact, controlled growth in the planter. Give each plant 4 to 5 inches of space for growth. Water the plants with 3 to 4 inches of water to settle the soil around their roots.

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