Madness Series
70d to harvest
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.
Crop Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Start Indoors | Feb 9th |
| Last Frost | Apr 20th |
| Transplant / Sow Outdoors | Apr 20th |
| Harvest Begins | Jun 29th |
| Harvest Ends | Oct 20th |
Crop Details
| Trait | Value |
|---|---|
| Days to Maturity | 70 |
| Sun Requirements | Full Sun |
| Growth Habit | Spreading |
| Support Needed | None |
| Planting Depth | Surface |
| Germination Temp (°F) | 75 |
| Min Soil Temp (°F) | 55 |
| Min Night Temp (°F) | 50 |
| Harden Off (days) | 7 |
Recommended Companions
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.