Asked on Apr 23, 2014
Should I cut new petunias back?
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When I bought some petunias in a 6 pack, they were very leggy. Do I cut them back right away or wait till they get established?
11 answers
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It would help them grow better if you cut them back. It is best to plant flowers that are not blooming so that the plant will keep energy going to the roots to establish the plant rather than pushing its energy to blooms. And fertilize! they love fertilizer! Hope this helps! happy gardening!
The Garden Frog with C Renee
on Apr 23, 2014
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Ok, I just didn't know if I should do it before they got roots established in the pot I am putting them in. I thought maybe they would have to take hold there before cutting them back. How far would you cut them back?
Elaine Simmons
on Apr 23, 2014
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I usually pinch the flowers off, which allows the energy to into rooting well. I fertilize with Miracle Grow, or another, and new flowers will pop up shortly:) Pinch the stems, but keep the leaves, as this is how it gets energy.
Kathleen
on Apr 24, 2014
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First of all for me it is hard to cut them back,because we want flowers.But it is the best thing to do.It will force the plant to bush out making a fuller plant and more blooms.It also will not take to long for the plant(petunias) to start flowering again.I for my own reason,s will pot up my flowers then after a couple days cut them back.That way if feel i got to enjoy them first. Elaine i will also cut back my flowers a week or two before a dinner party so they are in full bloom when the day come,s. And most gardeners i know beam when told what a pretty yard and flowers they have.If they don,t they must have a gardener.
Dee
on Apr 24, 2014
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I know that cutting them back helps the plant but as I said, I was not sure to cut them back until they got established in their new pot. BTW I am familiar with your town. I used to live in Cedar Falls!
Elaine Simmons
on Apr 24, 2014
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Thanks Renee, I have fish emulsion. Kind of forgot I had it.
Elaine Simmons
on Apr 24, 2014
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Elaine i use to live in waterloo so i know cedar falls well. Just cut them back it will not hurt them. Even though you just planted them. Being your in AZ now maybe move to a area that is not to hot till they get going. Happy Gardening in AZ
Dee
on Apr 26, 2014
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Can you ladies clarify what "cutting back" means? I know about deadheading blooms, but when do you cut them? When you take them out of the packs? do you mean to cut the actual stem down to the dirt? I'm pretty much a novice but love planting! Would you suggest the same for wave petunias as well? Thanks!!!
Michelle
on Apr 26, 2014
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Thanks Dee!
Elaine Simmons
on Apr 26, 2014
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Michelle What i mean by cutting back is .Take the flowers out of the packet if there is blooms on them plant and then cut the blooms off,if no blooms then just plant and leave be.How ever during the summer plants tend to get leggy that means the plant blooms more so at the end instead of all over. cut back a inch or two. I must point out that i am talking about annuals.Elaine was talking about (petunias).There is a petunia that has smaller blooms on it and will not need deadheaded,I will when i think about it.This will always do better when cut back when leggy.
Dee
on Apr 27, 2014
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Dee, you are thinking of "Million Bells" or "Calibrachoa. I knew those didn't need deadheading.
Elaine Simmons
on Apr 27, 2014
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