How to Care for Mini Petunias That Are Leggy and Sticky

Petunias are bright flowering annuals, and grow reliably from last frost in spring to first frost in fall. These plants grow in both large and small varieties, but always require some specific growing conditions. Petunias grow leggy and sparse, and refuse to bloom, when they don't get the right care. Amend mini petunia growing conditions to save failing plants, and maintain good care through the rest of the summer for brighter blooms.

Organic compost
Fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Move the petunias to bright, sunny locations. Petunias need full sun for six to eight hours every day, and grow leggy if they have to reach for sunshine.
- 2
  Amend mini petunia growing foundations to give the plants better nutrition and drainage. Dig 2 inches of organic compost into the top 2 inches of soil throughout the bed. This gives petunias more resources for vegetative growth, and ensures better drainage for water.
- 3
  Water petunias with 2 inches of water every seven to 10 days. The plants need consistent moisture in their soil to maintain healthy growth.
- 4
  Prune the mini petunias. Snap off the top half of each plant to redirect plant resources toward branching and leaving.
- 5
  Give petunias liquid or water-soluble 8-8-8, 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 fertilizer to encourage new growth. Petunias grow and bloom better with more nutrition, so feed the plants every two to three weeks thereafter.

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