Types of petunia you didn't know existed

Introduction

No plant is seen as vibrant as petunias are. They bring charm to any dull garden with their immense flowers.

Petunias thrive well under proper care in India, where the climate ranges from tropical to subtropical. This blog explores the types of petunia you didn’t know existed. And you might as well add these to your already existing petunia collection!

Understanding Petunias

Petunias belong to the Solanaceae family and originate from South America. These ornamental plants are categorized into four main types:

1. Grandiflora: Large, showy flowers.
2. Multiflora: Smaller but more abundant blooms.
3. Milliflora: Compact plants with tiny flowers.
4. Spreading (Wave): Vigorous growers, ideal for ground cover.
5. Each type offers unique characteristics that cater to different gardening preferences.

Popular Petunia Varieties in India

India’s diverse climate allows for a wide range of petunias to thrive. Among these, hybrids are particularly popular due to their resilience and aesthetic colours. Commonly grown types of petunias include:

• Wave Series: Known for their spreading growth habit.
• Dreams Series: Ideal for garden beds.
• Shock Wave: Compact and early blooming.
• Local varieties also hold significance, as they are better adapted to regional conditions.

Hybrid Petunias

Hybrid petunias are bred for enhanced features like vibrant colours, disease resistance, and better growth. Some of these varieties are researched and cultivated by companies across the world and sold as their patent plant variety. Some of the major types of hybrid petunias are grown by companies based in the USA. Here are some noteworthy hybrid types of petunia for Indian gardens:

Petunia x hybrida ‘Tidal Wave’:

Large and robust plants.

Excellent for large gardens.

Petunia ‘Easy Wave’:

Ideal for hanging baskets and containers.

Heat-tolerant.

Petunia ‘Supertunia Vista’:

Vigorous growth with abundant flowers.

Thrives in Indian summers.

Petunia ‘Cascadias Rim Magenta’:

Unique magenta flowers with white edges.

Eye-catching and hardy.

Local Types of Petunia in India

India also has locally cultivated petunias that adapt well to the native climate. These include:

Desi Petunia Varieties:

Indigenous strains grown in home gardens.

Known for their resilience.

Mumbai Local Petunias:

Commonly found in Maharashtra’s urban and rural gardens.

Low-maintenance with vibrant blooms.

Traditional Multiflora Petunias:

Small flowers but dense coverage.

Excellent for Indian summers.

Top 20 Types of Petunia

Here is a curated list of 20 petunia varieties, including hybrids and local types, suitable for Indian conditions:

Wave Petunias:

Known for spreading growth.

Shock Wave Petunias:

Compact and bushy.

Dreams Series:

Available in multiple colours.

Tidal Wave:

Strong plants with abundant flowers.

Easy Wave:

Popular for baskets.

Supertunia Vista Bubblegum:

Striking pink blooms.

Cascadias Rim Magenta:

Two-toned flowers.

Surfinia Series:

Ideal for cascading displays.

Petunia Grandiflora:

Large blooms.

Petunia Multiflora:

Dense flowering.

Petunia Milliflora:

Compact and versatile.

Petunia Axillaris:

Fragrant blooms.

Petunia Integrifolia:

Wild petunia species.

SuperCascade Series:

Perfect for large containers.

Duvet Series:

Early bloomers.

Explorer Series:

Robust and heat-tolerant.

Horizon Series:

Compact growth habit.

Mumbai Local Petunias:

Region-specific variety.

Purple Wave:

Prolific bloomers.

White Cascade:

Stunning white flowers.

Care Tips for Growing Petunias in Indian Climate

Care for petunias is very easy and these types of petunias will give you immense flowering when you keep a few things in mind.

Conclusion

Petunias are a versatile and stunning addition to any Indian garden. With a variety of hybrids and local strains, gardeners can create vibrant landscapes that suit their aesthetic preferences. By understanding the unique requirements of each type and providing proper care, petunias can flourish and enhance the beauty of your outdoor spaces.

Embrace the joy of gardening with petunias and let their colourful blooms brighten your world!

FAQs

1. What are the different types of petunia flowers available in India?

Petunias in India can be categorised into four main types:

• Grandiflora: Known for large and showy blooms.
• Multiflora: Smaller flowers but denser coverage.
• Milliflora: Compact with tiny blooms, ideal for containers.
• Wave/Spreading: Vigorous growers perfect for ground cover.

2. Which petunia variety is best for hanging baskets in India?

The Easy Wave Petunia and Supertunia Vista Bubblegum are excellent choices for hanging baskets due to their cascading growth and heat tolerance.

3. What is the difference between Wave Petunias and Shock Wave Petunias?

• Wave Petunias: Known for their spreading growth, ideal for ground cover.
• Shock Wave Petunias: More compact and bushy, great for pots and small spaces.

4. Can petunias survive Indian summers?

Yes, many hybrid varieties, such as Tidal Wave, Supertunia Vista, and Explorer Series, are heat-tolerant and thrive in Indian summers with proper care.

5. Are there any indigenous petunia varieties in India?

Yes, local varieties like Mumbai Local Petunias and other desi strains are well-adapted to Indian climates and require less maintenance.

6. Which type of petunia blooms most abundantly?

Multiflora petunias are known for their abundant flowering and dense coverage, making them perfect for vibrant displays.

7. What care tips are essential for growing petunias in India?

• Ensure 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
• Use well-draining soil with organic compost.
• Water regularly but avoid waterlogging.
• Prune spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.

8. How long do petunias bloom in India?

Petunias bloom from late winter to early summer (October to April) in India, depending on the climate and care provided.

9. Can petunias be grown indoors in India?

While petunias prefer outdoor settings, they can be grown indoors if placed near a sunny window that receives ample light.

10. Are petunias annual or perennial in India?

Petunias are typically grown as annuals in India due to climatic conditions, but in cooler regions, they can act as perennials with proper care.