Wednesday, April 5, 2023

Rejuvenated

Do you remember how I cut back the petunias in a pot on our balcony? I hope so because I can't be bothered finding the old post to link here.

It was a partial success. I perhaps did the cut back too late and I needed to cut sideway stems harder and keeping the centre stems longer.

I judge it as a minor success. Our cool summer did not help the petunias that need lots of dry warmth and sunlight to flourish. Within a week or so, the plant will be disposed of. Lessons learnt but not necessarily remembered for next year.

It took about ten days for new green shoots to appear. A week later, we had blooming white flowers but the red were slower to appear. 

Not bad but nothing like how good the plant was when it was bought.


27 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Not nearly as nice as when we bought it Roentare.

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  2. Some things just aren't worth the hassle!

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  3. They do look nice. I struggle with plants, as well, so don't feel bad. Take care!

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    1. Darla, I gave it a second lease at life. I don't feel bad.

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  4. petunias I would guess grow any place in world.
    Coffee is on and stay safe.

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    1. Dora, anyway where there is reasonable dry summer heat, yes.

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  5. You can't save the pot for next summer, as mild as your temps are?

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    1. Debby, as far as I know they are only annuals here. Nowhere to save it anywhere here, anyway.

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    2. I guess I never really thought about it. They are annuals here as well, but I thought that was because of our winters. But in a temperate climate, seems like they'd reseed and regrow. Dammit Andrew. Now I have to google.

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  6. The worst thing about living in a flat is that you are not facing lawn and garden as you would in a house. So whatever lovely pots you can grow on the balcony, the more relaxed it looks.

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    Replies
    1. That is true Hels, but just across the road we have the fabulous Fawkner Park. Less is more on our balcony, one permanent plant and one of annuals.

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  7. I'm sorry to hear it will be disposed of. Do you not know anyone with a garden that might like to plant it?

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    Replies
    1. River, I don't believe that petunias can be rekindled next year. Am I wrong? My mother knows about gardening and she never saves potted or garden bed petunias.

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  8. You never know, it may bounce back with a shot of Miracle Gro

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    Replies
    1. JayCee, I feel my years are limited and I don't care for bouncing back.

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  9. Sometimes you just have to accept the inevitable and start anew.

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    Replies
    1. Jabblog, which is what I do twice a year. No replacement in mind at the moment as we will be away from home for a month.

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  10. We always grew petunias as an annual, one season. I have seen them self seed in mild climates.

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    Replies
    1. TP, I think our climate is just a bit too cool for that to happen, and nip in the bud rids the plant of seed.

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  11. I think you might need some expert horticultural guidance from Young Steve Reed in London. His consultation fees are quite reasonable. As for "I can't be bothered" - this is something that sulky teenagers say - not wise, mature and well-seasoned gentlemen of senior years like your good self.

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    1. YP, so I am a bit teen like. I'm sure you have noted my immaturity. I don't mind not being old and respectable. I expect what English children would say would be 'I can't be ...'

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  12. Very pretty, nice resurrection!

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  13. I'll have to try cutting mine back this summer when they get leggy.

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