starting petunias and verbena indoors - Knowledgebase Question

Amherst, Ma
Avatar for Tccoleman
Question by Tccoleman
February 9, 2010
Hello,
I want to start some petunias and Verbenas indoors. When do I start them? I'm in Western MA. Also, I want to have a lot of hanging baskets mixed with them both. How many plants would you put into a 10


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Answer from NGA
February 9, 2010
In most years your last frost date in about April 27th. I'd start the seeds 6 weeks before the average last frost so they will be ready to go outside by the middle of May. A 10" container can take 4-5 plants without being overcrowded. While the plants grow and trail over the sides of the hanging baskets, the roots will intermingle and will have plenty of room to grow in the soil. If you plant 6 or more plants the basket will be full but the roots will compete for moisture which means you'll have to be really diligent about watering. Even a few hours of dry soil can kill the plants. So, I'd go with 4-5 plants in each basket and pinch them so they are full before you allow them to trail over the sides of the planter. I'll bet your hanging baskets will look spectacular!

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