Growing Petunia N.C. Mixed (Non-Compact) from seeds is a great way to bring bright, trumpet-shaped flowers to your balcony or terrace. These plants are known for their large, showy blooms in various colors and are ideal for the Indian winter growing season. Here's your full container-growing guide, tailored for Indian gardeners:
Best Time to Sow
North/Central India: October to December
South India: October to January
Grows best in cool to mildly warm weather (ideal range: 15–25°C)
Container & Soil Setup
Pot Size: At least 8–10 inches deep with drainage holes
Soil Mix:
2 parts garden soil
1 part compost/vermicompost
1 part cocopeat or sand (for drainage)
Petunias like well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil
Sowing the Seeds
Petunia seeds are tiny – handle carefully!
Surface sow: Don’t bury. Just press seeds lightly onto moist soil.
Covering: Sprinkle a very thin layer of fine sand or vermiculite (optional).
Mist gently to moisten soil. Keep moist but not wet.
Germination Time: 7–14 days
Keep in shade until germination starts, then shift to filtered sun.
Light Requirements
After germination, move pots to a sunny spot with 5–6 hours of direct sun
More sun = more blooms 🌼
Watering
Keep the soil evenly moist, especially in early stages.
Avoid waterlogging—petunias hate soggy roots.
Water at the base to avoid fungal issues on leaves.
Plant Care
- Pinching: Pinch tips when plants are 4–6 inches tall for bushier growth
- Deadheading: Remove old flowers to encourage more blooms
- Fertilizer: Liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks (low nitrogen, high phosphorus)
- Pests: Watch for aphids, whiteflies – use neem spray if needed
Blooming Period
Starts flowering in 8–10 weeks
Peak blooming: Late winter to early summer
Continuous blooms if cared for properly