Picobella Series Petunia

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost date. Sow on the surface of moist seed-starting mix or barely press into the soil, as petunia seeds require light to germinate. Maintain temperatures between 70-75°F and provide bright, indirect light. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Germination typically occurs within 7-14 days.

Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost date has passed and nighttime temperatures consistently remain above 50°F. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days. Space plants 14 inches apart in full sun with well-draining soil. Handle seedlings gently, as petunias can be brittle.

Direct sowing is possible but not recommended for petunias, as they require consistent warmth and moisture throughout a long germination period. Indoor starting produces more reliable, vigorous plants.

While Picobella petunias' naturally compact, mounded habit minimizes the need for heavy pruning, regular deadheading of spent blooms will encourage denser flowering and a tidier appearance throughout the season. Pinching is generally unnecessary due to their naturally branching growth pattern, but if plants become leggy or overgrown by midsummer, a light trim by one-third will rejuvenate them and promote fuller branching.