How to Grow Picotee Striped Petunia
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Picotee Striped Petunia
Petunia ×hybrida
flowerPicotee striped petunias are ornamental flowering plants featuring distinctive bicolor blooms with contrasting edges or stripes in white, pink, purple, or red. These hybrid petunias are prolific bloomers that flower continuously throughout the growing season, making them popular choices for gardens, containers, and hanging baskets. They combine vibrant striping patterns with the classic trumpet-shaped petunia flower form.
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Example Picotee Striped Petunia timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Picotee Striped Petunia
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Picotee Striped Petunia blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Annual in most zones; thrives as a tender annual in zones 2-10 with warm-season growth
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Seedling
3-4 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with 2 small cotyledons; first true leaves appear within 1-2 weeks with distinctive oval shape
Keep soil moist but not soggy; provide bright indirect light; maintain 70-75°F temperature; thin seedlings to prevent crowding
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlants develop multiple stems and bushy foliage; leaves are lance-shaped and slightly sticky to touch from natural oils
Pinch growing tips at 4-6 inches to encourage bushier growth; transplant to larger containers as needed; ensure adequate light and air circulation
Flowering Initiation
2-3 weeksFlower buds begin forming at stem tips; plants show first show of blooms
Begin light fertilizing with balanced or bloom-promoting fertilizer every 2 weeks; maintain consistent moisture; deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
Peak Flowering
8-16 weeks through seasonAbundant striped trumpet flowers open continuously; distinctive picotee edges visible in contrasting colors against base color
Deadhead regularly to maintain bloom production; feed every 1-2 weeks; water consistently; pinch stems occasionally to encourage branching if growth becomes leggy
Late Season
Until frostFlowering continues but may slow in late summer heat or early fall cool temperatures; foliage remains lush
Continue deadheading; reduce fertilizer frequency; allow some flowers to set seed if desired for self-sowing next year; water during dry spells
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; strong water spray to dislodge; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
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Increase humidity and mist foliage; spray with neem oil or miticide; ensure adequate water during hot, dry conditions
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Yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; remove heavily infested leaves
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and
(Gastropoda)
Hand-pick in early morning or evening; beer traps; copper barriers; encourage ground beetles and other predators
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; remove infected plant material; apply fungicide if severe
Uses
Edible Flower Garnish
CulinaryPetunia flowers are edible with a slightly sweet, lettuce-like flavor and are safe for consumption when grown without pesticides. Use picotee varieties as colorful, decorative garnishes for salads, desserts, and beverages. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
HouseholdThe striking striped blooms make excellent long-lasting cut flowers for fresh arrangements, bouquets, and floral designs. Cut stems in early morning and change water every 2-3 days for extended vase life. [source]
Garden Container Design
CraftPicotee striped petunias are ideal for hanging baskets, window boxes, mixed containers, and garden beds where their vibrant striped pattern adds visual interest and continuous color throughout the season. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifePetunia flowers attract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators to gardens, supporting local ecosystem health and aiding pollination of nearby vegetable and fruit crops. [source]
Traditional Plant Uses
MedicinalPetunias have been used in traditional herbal medicine systems for mild diuretic and digestive properties, though modern scientific evidence is limited. Use only pesticide-free flowers under professional guidance. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Petunias are ornamental flowers rather than harvest crops. Deadhead (remove) spent blooms regularly by pinching or cutting just below the flower base to encourage continuous flowering. Cut fresh flowers for indoor arrangements when fully open in early morning. To collect seeds, allow some flowers to fade on plant and develop seed pods; collect when pods dry and brown, then dry seeds completely before storage.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Petunias are native to South America and were first cultivated in Argentina; the name comes from a Tupi word 'petun' meaning tobacco, as petunias are distant relatives of the tobacco plant.
- 🌱 The distinctive picotee striping pattern is created through selective breeding of petunia hybrids and represents thousands of years of flower color selection across cultures.
- 🌱 Petunias naturally self-seed readily and will often return year after year in mild climates; some gardeners intentionally allow flowers to set seed for a free petunia crop the following season.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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