“A flower blossoms for its own joy.” ~ Oscar Wilde (Photo by National Garden Bureau)

It’s small wonder that petunias continue to rank among the most popular flowering annuals. With over 75 varieties available from different companies, these bright and lively plants bloom from spring until frost. They’re easy to grow and are well-suited for flower beds, borders, window boxes and other containers. Cascading varieties work very well in hanging baskets.

The petunia is related to tobacco, tomatoes, deadly nightshades and potatoes. In fact the name is derived from the Brazillian word “petun†which means tobacco.

The modern petunia will flourish in full sun as long as you keep them well watered. They will grow in partial shade, but won’t flower as much and the stems will stretch more.

Today’s guest is David Trinklein, horticulture specialist for University of Missouri Extension. He says your grandparents could have only dreamed of the modern petunia because cross-breeding unrelated seed lines have produced superstar petunias.

Surfinia Trailing Heavenly Blue (Photo by National Garden Bureau)

Potunia Piccola Pink(Photo by National Garden Bureau)

Petunia: Better than Ever