my petunias need help

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debbies_dirt Robert Lee, TX(Zone 8a) Mar 23, 2009

I really havn't been growing flowers long, so I bought a pretty white petunia and everything was going great, big blooms looked really pretty. BUT now the leaves are turning yellow at an alarming rate and the blooms are not opening before they just wither and die. Does anyone have any suggestions about what I may be doing wrong. My blues and purples and bicolors are just fine.

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XMelissaX Indianapolis, IN(Zone 5b) Mar 24, 2009

Could be caused by lack of/too much water, lack of/too much fertilizer, could have a disease or pests. If the plant is really dry, thoroughly water it. Sometimes when plants are watered only the outside edges of the roots are getting water and the middle is still really dry, especially in potted plants. If it's too much water, decrease water and hopefully the plant isn't suffering from rot. If the plant is severly suffering, wait to fertilize when it's healthier. Otherwise, try a mild dose of fertilizer. If you've put too much, try flushing it out with plenty of water.

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NatureLover1950 Vicksburg, MS(Zone 8a) Mar 24, 2009

Is your petunia still in the pot you purchased it in? If so, it's probably root-bound. Nurseries add fertilizers that encourage large root systems so plants almost always benefit if they are moved into a larger pot or planted in the ground. Root-bound plants don't have enough soil in the pot to hold water.

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debbies_dirt Robert Lee, TX(Zone 8a) Mar 24, 2009

thanks for the suggestions, I think I will try repotting and see what happens.

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dp72 Woodway, TX(Zone 8a) Mar 25, 2009

You can tip it out of the pot, and if it's NOT rootbound, just stick it back in. You don't want too much loose soil in the pot. Chances are that it IS rootbound, however.

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debbies_dirt Robert Lee, TX(Zone 8a) Mar 26, 2009

Rootbound was a understatement, poor thing, now has a bigger home with fresh dirt to grow in.

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