Petunia Scarlet Red 'Fire Chief'

350 seeds

How to Seed Petunia Scarlet Red ‘Fire Chief’ (Petunia nana compacta)

1. Best Time to Sow (Gulf Region):

   • Outdoors: From October to February, when daytime temperatures are between 15–25°C (59–77°F).

   • Indoors or nursery trays: From December to February for early transplanting before spring.

   • Avoid sowing from April to September, as the Gulf’s heat and humidity can stop germination and burn young plants.

2. Sowing Depth:
   Sow seeds on the soil surface — do not cover, as Petunia seeds need light to germinate.
   Press lightly into moist soil and mist gently with water.

3. Soil:
   Prefers rich, loose, and well-drained soil with organic matter.
   Ideal Gulf mix: 40% garden soil + 30% peat moss + 20% perlite + 10% compost.
   Avoid compacted or overly wet soil to prevent damping-off disease.

4. Light & Temperature:

   • Germination temperature: 20–25°C (68–77°F).

   • Requires bright indirect light or full morning sun during germination.

   • In the Gulf, provide full morning sunlight and partial shade after noon to prevent heat stress.

5. Germination Time:
   Seeds germinate in 10–15 days under warm, humid conditions.

6. Transplanting:

   • When seedlings are 5–8 cm tall and have 3–4 true leaves, transplant carefully into pots or flower beds.

   • Space plants 20–25 cm apart to allow compact, bushy growth.

   • Handle seedlings gently to avoid damaging delicate roots.

7. Growing Tips for Gulf Climate:

   • Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade, especially morning sun with light afternoon protection.

   • Watering: Water regularly but moderately — keep soil moist, not soggy. Reduce watering slightly once plants mature.

   • Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2–3 weeks to maintain continuous blooming.

   • Maintenance: Remove faded flowers (deadhead) to encourage new buds and extend the blooming period.

   • The ‘Fire Chief’ variety produces brilliant scarlet-red blooms on compact plants, ideal for pots, borders, and garden beds.

   • Blooms from late winter through early summer in the Gulf.