Q.Petunias Dying
What could be causing my petunias to die? They are in full sun in a container 18 inches in diameter. I planted three Wave petunias in late May, three more about the 4th of July, and another three at the end of July. Only three in the planter. New planter, with Miracle Grow soil and rocks in the bottom for good drainage. Still they keep dying. This happened last year also. I have been successful in growing beautiful petunias for 30 years.
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
There are a few things that could be causing this. The most common would be underwatering. Sometimes underwatering can be caused by not watering often enough. With most weather in the summer, you should be watering daily. If it gets over 85 F, you should be watering twice a day. Underwatering can also be caused by over dry potting soil. Potting soil that is over dry will actually repel water, so even if you seem to water often enough, the soil simply does not absorb it. If you have switched potting soils, this may be the cause. If you suspect that this is the case, soak the containers (plants and all) in a bucket full of water until air stops coming out of the soil.
There are other reasons it could be happening, but let us know what kind of symptoms you are seeing before they die. That will help us pinpoint it better.
