Petunia "Merlin": description and rules of care

Petunias are perennial herbaceous plants that are widespread in our country. Many gardeners and amateurs prefer them, because they are very unpretentious in planting and care, and also have a rather pleasant appearance. They look equally good outdoors and in pots. In this article, we will take a closer look at the "Merlin" series petunias, find out their description, basic rules of care and some of the nuances regarding cultivation.

Petunias "Merlin" are among the most widely used in horticultural practice. Despite the fact that petunias are perennials, it is this variety that is grown as an annual.

Petunias "Merlin" are very abundant flowering, grow in compact, neat bushes. The diameter of the flower is about 5.5–6.5 cm, and the height of the bush itself is no more than 25 cm. It is these plants that are very resistant to sudden changes in temperature, various precipitation and other unfavorable conditions.

Petunias of the "Merlin" variety are very picky about the soil and soil in which they are planted. They tolerate prolonged drought quite well. Moreover, the plant blooms profusely both in open sunny places and in small shade.

Sowing Merlin seeds should start from March to April. And some gardeners even recommend planting seeds as early as February, since this crop has a rather long growing season. For maximum seed growth, they should be sown on the surface of a previously prepared and moistened soil, after which they should be covered with glass or a hard film. Do not forget to ventilate future plants. Usually, the seeds germinate in a week, provided that the temperature in the room is within 25 degrees above zero, and they will be constantly humidified from a spray bottle.

In open ground or in pots, petunias begin to be planted in May and early June. So that the flowering is plentiful, and the flowers are rich and large, do not forget about dressing. It is best to use ready-made store options. Fertilizing after planting in the ground can be done every 15-25 days.

In good weather, flowering will be observed from June to October inclusive.

As a prevention of insect attacks and the occurrence of diseases, it is recommended to use folk decoctions and infusions of herbs and wood ash. And it is also very important not to allow stagnation of water, which is fraught with various diseases for this plant. Although, as a rule, with proper care, insects do not attack petunias, of course, if the neighboring plants are not sick or infected.

Petunias series "Merlin F1" presented in a wide variety of seeds. All are very resistant to rainy weather.

• Merlin Blue Morne. The flowers are pale purple with a white center.

• Merlin Magenta. The flowers are bright crimson.

• "Merlin cherry rose". Flowers are red-pink.

• Merlin Ed. The flowers have a white-yellow center, and their edges are bright red. The gentle transition from one shade to another creates a very unusual look, especially when the bush is completely covered with flowers.

• Merlin Plum Wayne. In this variety, flowers are different from all previous ones. They are funnel-shaped, have a juicy raspberry-purple color and dark purple veins.

• "Merlin was mystic." It is this variety that can be called a masterpiece of selection. This petunia has an amazing color, which is not inherent in the similar ones from the series. Its velvet black flowers with light stripes and an unsurpassed aroma will not leave anyone indifferent.

• Merlin Salmon. Flowers of a gentle salmon color can surely become a "highlight" of any flower bed.

• "Merlin Burgundy Picoti". Has a bright crimson color and white edges. Very similar to terry varieties.

• Merlin Pink. Flowers with a yellow and white center and pink edges are ideal to complement any summer garden in the garden.

All the listed varieties of the "Merlin" series give very good seedlings, which will delight the whole season with their bright and juicy flowering.

For information on how to properly transplant petunias, see the video below.