How to Make Petunia Containers

Petunias provide blooms in a multitude of colors all summer, from late spring until the first fall frost. These annual flowers grow well in containers, so potted petunias are a staple at many garden centers. Instead of purchasing an arranged container at a premium price, make your own container display of these flowers using planters you already have on hand. Making your own pots of petunias allows you to also choose which petunia colors to include in your planter.

Container
Nail
Soilless potting mixture

Instructions

- 1
  Check the bottom of a 12 to 18 inch diameter container for drainage holes. Use a container that is at least 10 inches deep. Punch two to three holes in the bottom of plastic containers with a large nail if no holes are present. Clay pots usually have at least one drainage hole.
- 2
  Fill the container with a soilless potting mixture. Leave a 1 inch space at the top of the container.
- 3
  Water the potting mixture until moisture begins draining out the holes in the bottom. Leave the pot to sit for 30 minutes before planting so the potting mix has time to completely absorb the moisture.
- 4
  Remove the petunias from their nursery pots. Plant the petunias around the edge of the ot, setting them 2 inches in from the rim and spacing them 4 inches apart. Plant three petunias in the center of an 18 inch pot or one in the center of a 12 inch pot. Set the plants in the container at the same depth they were growing at previously.
- 5
  Set the container in an area that receives six hours of daily sunlight. Water the potting mix when the top inch feels dry, which can be daily during hot weather.
- 6
  Pinch back each stem to within ¼ inch of the top bud once the petunias reach 6 inches in height. Pinching helps the plants branch out so youhave fuller petunias and a more evenly rounded container display.

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