Petunia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Petunia |
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Petunia
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Petunia is a genus of plants that are famous for their beautiful, trumpet-shaped flowers. They belong to the Nightshade family, which also includes tobacco. Many people love to grow petunias in their gardens, especially in hanging baskets or flower beds. They are usually grown as annual plants, meaning they live for one growing season and then die when the weather gets cold. Petunias grow best when they get lots of sunshine.
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How to Grow Petunias
Petunias can handle pretty tough conditions and hot weather, but they don't like frost at all. For them to grow well, they need at least five hours of sunlight every day. They also like moist soil and air that isn't too humid.
It's usually best to grow petunias from seeds. Watering them once a week is often enough in most places. However, if you have petunias in hanging baskets or other containers, they will need water more often. Petunias grow the most in late spring. Giving them plant food once a month or even every week, depending on the type, will help them grow big and strong.
Different Kinds of Petunias
When people talk about different types of petunias grown in gardens, they use many names. Some common types include Grandiflora, Multiflora, Wave (which spreads out), Supertunia, Cascadia, and Surfinia.
Many different kinds of petunias are popular for home gardens. You can find petunias with a huge range of flower colors, sizes, and plant shapes.
Petunias in Stories and Beliefs
Long ago, the Maya and Inca people believed that the smell of petunias could scare away scary monsters and spirits from the underworld. They would even gather petunia flower-buds to make special magical drinks.
According to some modern beliefs, petunias will only grow well where there is "positive energy." They are said not to grow in places where there is "negativity."
When someone gives petunias as a gift, they can have two very different meanings in the "language of flowers." On one hand, they can mean that you feel comfortable with someone. On the other hand, they can also mean anger or being upset.
Images for kids
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Red and White mixed Petunia.
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Petunia, Violet, In NIT Agartala, India
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A form of Petunia axillaris
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White Petunia axillaris
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Red Petunia in India
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A cultivated form
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Leaves of Petunia × atkinsiana
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A cultivated form
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Starry Night, found in Porto Alegre - Brazil.
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Pink Sky Petunia
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Black Petunia
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Pink Petunia in Holambra - Brazil
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Petunia x hybrida
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African Sunset, an orange petunia created with genetic modification
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See also
In Spanish: Petunia para niños
