How to save the petunias after a summer storm

by Andrea
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After a summer storm, the petunias may appear damaged, afflurated or even unrecoverable. But with some targeted measures, you can save the salvable and restore vigor to these splendid blooms.

Recover the petunias after the summer rainRecover the petunias after the summer rain
Petunie ruined by the summer rain? Here’s how to recover them

When a summer downpour hits a flowery balcony in full, the blow is hard. The petunias are afflicted, the flowers are pulled, and in a few minutes everything appears compromised. A family scene to those who love to cultivate flowers in pots, especially in the hottest months. Sometimes there is an unexpected shock to frustrate weeks. The water beats strong on delicate petals, breaks or pastes them together. The leaves, full of water, bend downwards with a disconsolate appearance. Some break at the most fragile point, others remain there, as if they waited for a friend.

The problem is not only aesthetic: the water stagnation, if ignored, soon becomes an invisible enemy. The plant, even if apparently alive, begins to suffer from inside. Still, it is precisely here that you can make a difference. With some immediate gesture – and a little eye – it is possible to limit the damage. There is no need to be expert gardeners: attention, speed and some practical makeups are enough.

What happens to the petunias after a thunderstorm

The Petunie damaged by the rain They do not all react in the same way. Some forgive the flowers, others bend over themselves, still others seem to “cook” in the sun immediately after the rain. It is interesting to note that the combination of abundant rain and subsequent exposure to the sun can cause the worst damage: the leaves remained wet are burned, the stems break and the flowers rot. In addition, stagnant water in the saucers or vessels without a good drainage brings with it a concrete risk: the radical mold. As soon as the roots begin to rot, the plant enters a state of visible suffering: slowed growth, yellowed leaves, flowers that no longer open.

It is not uncommon to believe that the plant is now passed off. But that’s not always. Indeed, sometimes it takes little to put it back in sixth. The real problem is often timing.

Quick interventions to save them

After a thunderstorm, the petunias should not be left to themselves. Acting in the first 24 hours is crucial to avoid permanent damage. Although they seem compromised, most plants react well to small targeted interventions. You have to look at them closely, understand where to intervene and not panic. Sometimes it takes very little to save an entire planter. A clean scissor, a few minutes and a pinch of patience can make miracles. Here are some fundamental steps to follow:

  • Remove damaged flowers: They must be cut away immediately, so the development of mold is avoided and a new flowering is stimulated.
  • Move the vessels to dry: Even if the roots are already wet, protect them from further rains avoids prolonged stagnation.
  • Check the saucers: if full of water, they must be emptied immediately to prevent radical rot.
  • Airing the soil: gently moving the surface helps to evaporate excess humidity.
  • Eliminate soft or stained leaves: They are the most exposed to fungal infections and must be eliminated with clean scissors.

A little more trick? If the plant appears particularly fatigued, irrigation can be suspended for a couple of days, even in the middle of summer. Better to let the roots dry than to drown them further.

How to prevent damage from storm to petunias

There are those who say that preventing is better than cure. And he has no wrong, at least when it comes to petunias and summer rains. A few more tricks are enough to drastically reduce damage.

First of all, it is good to choose Vases with an excellent drainage. The plastic ones, for example, often do not guarantee a quick leakage of the water. Better to opt for terracotta containers or equipped with additional holes.

The position also plays a fundamental role. Petunie love the sun, yes, but in the summer months it can be useful to move them under one light canopy or in a semi-pope. Thus, direct contact with sudden showers is avoided without sacrificing light.

A light soil, enriched with a little sand or perlite, helps a lot in drainage. And after a downpour? No fertilizers: better wait for the plant to recover before stimulating new growth.

Finally, we must not forget the importance of observing. Petunie send clear signals: if they bend, if the leaves close or become soft, it means that something is wrong. Acting immediately can make a difference.

Curious to discover other tricks to make your plants flourish even after extreme events?

Petunie after a summer stormPetunie after a summer storm

Just look more carefully: nature often always finds a way to surprise us.

Photo © Stock.adobe

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