SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Madness Series

Family: Solanaceae Garden Petunia
Zone 6b Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Madness Series to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.

Madness Series petunia spills in a living cascade of velvety color, with blooms that seem to glow from within—saturated petals edged in darker depth for a striking, high-contrast finish.

The flowers carry a plush, slightly ruffled texture that holds its charm through warm weather, making the plant feel lush and full from morning light to evening. Ideal for trailing and spreading displays, it’s a showy choice for hanging baskets, window boxes, and garden drifts where abundant bloom is the goal.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 70 DaysHabit: Spreading

Botanical illustration of Madness Series

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

MilestoneDate
Start IndoorsFeb 14th
Last FrostApr 25th
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsApr 25th
Harvest BeginsJul 4th
Harvest EndsOct 16th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity70
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitSpreading
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthSurface
Germination Temp (°F)75
Min Soil Temp (°F)55
Min Night Temp (°F)50
Harden Off (days)7

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I manage aphids or botrytis on petunia (Petunia × atkinsiana)?
Check flowers and tender new growth weekly for clusters of aphids; hose them off and spray with insecticidal soap, repeating as needed every 3–5 days until they’re gone. For botrytis (gray mold), remove spent flowers and any soft/brown plant parts, then improve airflow and avoid watering the foliage—water at soil level so the plant stays dry. If botrytis keeps recurring in cool, humid weather, switch to a labeled fungicide for gray mold and follow the label timing (especially after rain).
How often should I water petunia during the main growth phase?
During active growth and flowering, water deeply when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, which is often about 2–3 times per week in summer depending on heat and container size. Petunia (Petunia × atkinsiana) performs best with consistently moist (not soggy) soil—water until excess drains, then let the top inch dry before watering again. In containers, expect more frequent watering than in beds, and never let pots sit in water.
When is petunia ready to harvest (for seed), given it matures in ~70 days?
Petunia is usually ready for seed harvest about 70 days after sowing when the seed pods on spent flowers turn brown and dry but haven’t fully shattered. Collect pods on a dry day, then open them over a tray to release tiny seeds; let seeds air-dry for a few more days before storing. If pods are still green or soft, wait—fully dry pods release the most viable seed.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Madness Series in Zone 6b typically begins around 2026-04-25. Wait until soil reaches at least 55°F before transplanting Madness Series.

Garden Alerts

In Zone 6b, the average last spring frost is around April 25. Watch soil temperature before transplanting Madness Series.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Madness Series in Zone 6b typically begins around 2026-04-25. Wait until soil reaches at least 55°F before transplanting Madness Series.

Garden Alerts

In Zone 6b, the average last spring frost is around April 25. Watch soil temperature before transplanting Madness Series.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 55°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 7 days first.

Expert Note

Start petunias early indoors, then transplant after all frost danger; thinly fertilize and keep the soil evenly moist for steady, weather-resilient bloom.