How to Grow Petunia Supertunia Bordeaux
Petunia Supertunia Bordeaux
Petunia × hybrida 'Supertunia Bordeaux'
flowerSupertunia Bordeaux is a vigorous, spreading petunia cultivar known for its deep burgundy-red flowers with darker veining. This hybrid petunia is bred for exceptional disease resistance, continuous blooming, and a naturally trailing habit, making it ideal for containers, hanging baskets, and landscape beds. It flowers prolifically throughout the growing season with minimal deadheading required.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-11; grown as an annual in most regions, perennial in warm climates
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Growth Stages
Seedling
3-4 weeksTiny seedlings with 2-4 true leaves, fragile and light-dependent. Seedlings appear 7-14 days after germination.
Maintain bright light (under grow lights or sunny windowsill), keep soil consistently moist, maintain 70-75°F temperatures, ensure good air circulation to prevent damping-off disease
Vegetative
2-3 weeksYoung transplants develop multiple sets of leaves and begin branching. Plant is stocky and compact at 2-4 inches tall.
Harden off before transplanting outdoors, pinch growing tips to encourage bushier growth, fertilize weekly with balanced fertilizer, ensure full sunlight, maintain consistent moisture
Flowering Onset
1-2 weeksFirst flower buds appear on branch tips, plant begins to show characteristic spreading habit. May reach 6-12 inches tall.
Switch to bloom-promoting fertilizer (higher phosphorus), maintain full sun and consistent watering, remove any diseased leaves, provide support if needed in containers
Peak Blooming
8-12 weeks (or until frost)Plant is covered with abundant burgundy-red flowers, spreading vigorously with trailing stems. Plant reaches 12-18 inches tall and spreads 18-36 inches wide.
Deadhead spent flowers or let plant self-clean (Supertunia is bred to shed old flowers naturally), fertilize every 2 weeks, water consistently especially in heat, monitor for pests and diseases
Late Season
4-8 weeks until frostFlowers continue prolifically but may diminish in cool fall weather. Plant maintains full foliage and shape.
Reduce fertilizer frequency as daylight decreases, maintain regular watering, remove any damaged foliage, continue deadheading if desired, prepare for frost in cool climates
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; remove heavily infested leaves; encourage natural predators; increase air circulation
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Mist plants regularly to increase humidity; spray with water to dislodge mites; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe; ensure good air circulation
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Spray with strong water stream to dislodge; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; use reflective mulches; introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs
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Remove damaged flowers; spray with spinosad or neem oil; use blue sticky traps; maintain good air circulation
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Improve air circulation, avoid wetting foliage, apply sulfur dust or potassium bicarbonate fungicide, remove infected leaves, ensure adequate spacing
Uses
Container & hanging basket displays
HouseholdThe Supertunia Bordeaux's vigorous spreading habit and continuous flowering make it ideal for decorating patios, porches, and entryways in containers and hanging baskets. Its trailing stems cascade gracefully over pot edges, creating lush, colorful displays throughout the growing season. [source]
Landscape color accent
HouseholdPlant in garden beds, borders, and window boxes to provide sustained, vibrant burgundy color. The disease-resistant Supertunia line requires minimal maintenance while delivering professional-quality garden displays. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeThe abundant nectar-rich flowers attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden. Petunias are known nectar sources that support urban pollinator populations. [source]
Cut flower arrangements
CraftFresh petunia stems with their deep burgundy blooms add color and texture to floral arrangements and bouquets. Cut in early morning for longest vase life (typically 5-7 days). [source]
Edible flower garnish
CulinaryPetunia flowers are non-toxic and can be used as decorative garnishes on desserts and salads, adding visual appeal and a slightly peppery flavor. However, ornamental petunias may be treated with pesticides, so only use pesticide-free plants grown specifically for edible purposes. [source]
Harvest Tips
Petunia Supertunia Bordeaux is grown for ornamental flowers rather than harvest. Pinch or deadhead spent blooms to encourage bushier growth and more flowering, though this variety self-cleans effectively. Cut stems can be used for fresh flower arrangements (cut early morning when stems are turgid). Collect seeds from faded flowers if desired, though cultivar seeds may not produce identical plants due to hybrid nature.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Supertunia petunias were bred by Proven Winners to have exceptional disease resistance, particularly to powdery mildew and botrytis, making them significantly lower-maintenance than older petunia varieties.
- 🌱 The 'Supertunia' line's spreading habit comes from hybridization with wild petunia species, creating a more vigorous growth pattern that spreads 2-3 times wider than traditional petunias while remaining relatively compact in height.
- 🌱 The deep burgundy color in Supertunia Bordeaux comes from high anthocyanin pigment concentration, the same compound responsible for health benefits in blueberries and red wine.
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