Petunias

Every year like most members we plant petunia seeds. It is true what Kristen once said, they take so long to germinate.We have enough to plant but not as many germinate as expected, doubles seem to do better than singles? We did read that putting seeds in fridge for I think 2 weeks helps in germination.
We were in Morrisons last year and they had loads of large healthy petunias for sale at a cheap price, they grew fantastic. We have decided this year since we have 22 trays of seeds planted or ready to plant we will buy them ready grown from Morrison`s again.
I can see what is going to happen, we will go down to Morrison`s and they will either sold out or not selling them this year. Trouble is the sheds are so expensive to buy plants from but we may have no choice!!

 

Hi @trogre, I bought all my bedding plant plugs from Aldi last year & I have to say they grew beautifully & from memory were only £1.99 per tray, I agree you may as well just buy them from the supermarket as they can be tricky to grow from seed .
I've not sown any seeds yet, that's on my list for the weekend

 

Putting Petunia seeds in the fridge does not help them at all, they do not require stratification.
They need a steady germinating temperature of 22/23c but they do not need to be grown on at that temperature, 13/15c will do.

 

Got Petunia and lobeira from Aldi this year £1.99 for 6 plants

 

I noticed Morrison's had some today £2 for six.

 

I have grown "Wave" petunias for years . They are stunning and very long lasting when grown . But germination of high performing petunias is difficult - this year 2 out of 20 ! So next year I'll just buy my Surfinia® plugs from Brookside - I give up on them from seed
As above just keep your eye out from now at the Supermarkets etc . Just note its far too early for most plants to go outside they need to be indoors . Best to wait until the end of April early May

 

Wilkinsons and B&Q are also selling various plug plants for bedding and baskets.