Petunias are the undisputed kings of the balcony garden. You’ll see these colorful beauties tucked into just about every other window box on the block. But if you want to stand out from the crowd, why not try trailing petunias? With a few simple tips from this guide, you’ll have a cascading waterfall of blooms in no time.
The Ultimate Balcony Favorite
It’s no secret that petunias are one of the most popular choices for outdoor spaces. They’re super easy to care for and, when they’re happy, they produce a massive amount of stunning flowers. Because they come in almost every color imaginable, you can really get creative with your garden’s “vibe.” A lot of gardeners love mixing different shades together to create a vibrant, living bouquet right in their planter.
If you want to take things to the next level, trailing petunias in hanging baskets are the way to go. Their cascading growth habit makes that floral display look even more lush and impressive.
What to Keep in Mind
Petunias like a spot that’s a bit sheltered. A balcony is usually perfect—not just because it’s sunny, but because the walls and railings act as a buffer against wind and heavy rain. If you’re using hanging baskets, make sure they aren’t dangling too far out in the open where they’ll get tossed around by the wind.
Caring for Your Trailing Petunias
With a little TLC, trailing petunias can grow stems between 15 and 24 inches long. To fuel all that growth, they need plenty of light, warmth, and—most importantly—nutrients. These plants are hungry! They especially need iron to prevent issues like chlorosis (where the leaves turn yellow). During the peak growing season, you might need to fertilize them up to twice a week. A liquid fertilizer mixed right into your watering can is the easiest way to keep them fed.
To keep your plants looking their best, it’s a good idea to “deadhead” (pinch off) the wilted blooms regularly. It’s mostly an aesthetic choice, though—the plant won’t be harmed if you leave the spent flowers on, but it definitely looks tidier without them!
Avoid Soggy Feet
The one thing petunias absolutely hate is “wet feet.” Make sure your hanging baskets have good drainage holes so excess water can escape. You’ll also want to use a high-quality, well-draining potting soil to keep the roots happy.
Great Trailing Petunia Varieties
Looking for some inspiration? Here are a few fantastic trailing varieties that look amazing on a balcony:
- Petunia Bordeaux
- Petunia Chocolina
- Petunia Conchita Doble Blue
- Petunia Supercal Velvet
- Petunia Veranda White
- Petunia Violet Star
Pro Tip: Most of the time, the name of the variety gives you a pretty good hint at what color the flowers will be!
