As one of the most colorful choices for the garden, petunias have some special care requirements:

1. Water early in the day to allow the plants time to dry off. Damp leaves during the night and even on cloudy days can lead to rotting.

2. Cut back overgrown branches to promote increased branching and more blooms. The best method is to cut back about 20-30% of the branches to the first node every 7-10 days.

3. Fertilize with both liquid and slow release formulas. Use a ratio of water soluble fertilize around the 13-2-13 to 20-10-20 range. Fertilize with a low rate of 30-60ppm N, every 2-5 days. Higher rates of 150-300ppm N should be used every 7-10 days. After planting add a tablespoon of slow release, such as osmocote, about 2 inches from the plant. Some colors and varieties can be heavier feeders than others in the same series.