Complete Advice for Growing Surfinias
Planting, Ongoing Care, Pests & Diseases and FAQ
Surfinias, also known as trailing petunias, are beautiful, low-maintenance plants that can transform any garden or balcony with their vibrant, cascading flowers. Surfinias have become a beloved choice for UK gardeners due to their resilience and long-lasting blooms. This guide will cover everything you need to know about surfinias, from where to plant to ongoing care, ensuring your plants thrive in the UK climate.
These plants are a hybrid variety of petunias, known for their trailing or spreading habit, making them ideal for hanging baskets, containers, or as ground covers. They come in a variety of colours, ranging from vibrant pinks and purples to whites and yellows, with the most common being bright magenta. Surfinias are favoured for their continuous blooming throughout the summer and their resistance to both rain and wind, which makes them an excellent choice for UK gardens.
Planting Surfinias
Where to Plant Surfinias?
Choosing the right location for surfinias is essential to their success. These plants love sunny spots where they can soak up full sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. The more sun they receive, the more vibrant and abundant the flowers will be. Ideal places to plant surfinias in the UK include:
Hanging Baskets: Perfect for balconies, patios, or as decorative additions to your garden.
Window Boxes: A great way to add a burst of colour to your windows.
Containers and Pots: Versatile for creating a display on a terrace, patio, or doorstep.
Garden Borders: When planted in beds, surfinias can create stunning, cascading effects.
When to Plant Surfinias?
The best time to plant surfinias in the UK is after the last frost, typically around late April to early May. Planting them too early can risk frost damage, as surfinias are frost-sensitive.
Spring (Late April to Early May): Wait until the risk of frost has passed, and the soil has warmed up.
Autumn: Surfinias are usually grown as annuals in the UK, but you may be able to overwinter them in a warm, frost-free space if desired.
Planting in Hanging Baskets or Containers
Surfinias thrive in a well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. A good-quality multi-purpose compost, peat - free or a soil mix designed for hanging baskets or containers is ideal. Fill the container with the potting mix, leaving about 2-3 cm from the top.
Gently remove the surfinias from their pots, being careful not to damage the roots.
Space the plants evenly in the container, ensuring they have enough room to spread and cascade.
Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil around the roots.
Planting in the Ground
Prepare the soil by loosening it with a fork and adding organic matter or compost to improve drainage and fertility.sDo
Space the plants about 30 cm apart to allow for their trailing growth.
Dig holes that are slightly larger than the root balls, place the surfinias in, and fill the hole with soil, gently firming it down.
Water well after planting.
Ongoing Care for Surfinias
Watering Surfinias
Surfinias require regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Check the soil every day, especially during hot spells, as they can dry out quickly in containers. Water the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which could lead to fungal diseases.
Feeding Surfinias
For optimal growth and flower production, surfinias benefit from regular feeding:
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 1-2 weeks, such as this Empathy After Plant
During the peak growing season, switch to a high-potassium feed, such as tomato feed, to encourage more blooms.
Deadheading Surfinias
To encourage continuous blooming, remove spent flowers regularly (deadheading). This prevents the plant from diverting energy to seed production and keeps the plant looking tidy. Simply pinch off the faded flowers with your fingers or use scissors.
Pruning Surfinias
Surfinias do not require heavy pruning, but cutting back leggy growth can help maintain a bushier appearance. Trim any overly long stems in late summer to keep the plant neat and encourage further blooming.
Pests and Diseases
Tips to Help
While surfinias are relatively pest and disease-resistant, by looking out for the most common issues and using prevention and protection techniques, you will be able to grow successfully through the summer months.
Common Pests that eat Surfinias
Do Slugs and Snails eat Surfinias?
Unfortunately there isn't much that slugs and snails don't like. There is a common myth that slugs and snails can't climb walls but this is incorrect. They have muscular, mucus-covered "foot" structure that allow them to adhere to and move up vertical surfaces, including walls, fences, and even windows. So make sure you are checking your hanging baskets to!! Copper barriers such as strips or tapes around your pots, walls or baskets can repel them, as the metal reacts with their mucus and creates a mild electric shock. A garlic spray is also a deterrent!
Do Rodents eat Surfinias?
Yes, rodents such as rats and mice can eat surfinias, although they are not their primary food source. Rodents typically prefer grains, seeds, and nuts over flowers like surfinias, but with the right conditions, they might take a nibble. Regular monitoring and preventive measures can help keep them away! Surfinias, with their tender stems, leaves, and flowers, can attract rodents, especially if other food sources are scarce. Surfinias contain moisture, which might appeal to rodents as a source of hydration during dry spells. Signs of rodent damage can be as simple as rodent droppings in the vicinity of the plants, disturded soil from digging and little jaged bite marks on the Stems, leaves or flowers. To protect your plants you can go to the extremes of physical barriers using wire mesh or netting. However simpler solutions like placing surfinias in hanging baskets or tall planters that are difficult for rodents to climb, removing attractants by eliminate nearby food sources, such as birdseed, pet food, or compost, which can attract rodents to your garden. Or even using natural repellents and deterrents like peppermint oil, cayenne pepper, or garlic around the plants can discourage rodents.
Common Pests that can infest Surfinia Plants
Surfinia's like many plants, they can sometimes fall victim to pests that affect their growth and overall health. Being aware of common pests and understanding how to manage them is essential for keeping your surfinias thriving. Here are two of the most common pests to watch out for and tips on how to handle them effectively.
Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can occasionally infest surfinias, particularly during the warmer months. To manage them, inspect the undersides of the leaves regularly, as this is where aphids tend to gather. If an infestation is found, you can remove them by using a gentle spray of water or applying insecticidal soap.
Whiteflies are another common pest that can affect surfinias. These pests can be controlled through the use of insecticidal sprays or by introducing natural predators such as ladybirds to the garden.
Common Diseases that can affect Surfinias
While surfinias are relatively easy to care for, they can sometimes encounter problems caused by fungal diseases or poor growing conditions. Two of the most common issues are powdery mildew and root rot, both of which can significantly impact the health and appearance of your plants. By understanding their causes and taking preventative measures, you can keep your surfinias healthy and thriving. Here’s a closer look at these problems and how to address them.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as white, powdery spots on the leaves of surfinias. This issue is more prevalent in humid conditions. To prevent powdery mildew, ensure your plants have good air circulation and promptly remove any affected foliage. If necessary, fungicides can be applied to control the disease.
Root rot, another common issue, is caused by overwatering or poor drainage, leading to waterlogged soil. To avoid this, make sure your surfinias are planted in well-draining soil and are not left sitting in excess water. If root rot develops, remove the affected plant and replace the soil in the container or planting bed to prevent further spread.
Surfinias are a fantastic choice for UK gardeners looking to add vibrant colour and long-lasting blooms to their outdoor spaces. With the right care and attention, these trailing beauties will thrive and provide a stunning display of flowers throughout the summer. By following the planting and care guidelines in this guide, you can enjoy a flourishing garden full of surfinias every year.