How to Grow Supertunia Lavender
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Supertunia Lavender
Petunia × hybrida 'Supertunia Lavender'
flowerSupertunia Lavender is a vigorous, spreading petunia hybrid known for its stunning lavender-purple flowers and exceptional disease resistance. This cultivar produces abundant blooms throughout the growing season and is ideal for containers, hanging baskets, and garden beds. It combines the durability of modern petunias with an impressive display of color.
When should you plant Supertunia Lavender in your zone?
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Example Supertunia Lavender timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Supertunia Lavender
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 Supertunia Lavender blooms
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Supertunia Lavender dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-10; grown as annual in most regions, perennial in zones 9-10
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Transplant/Establishment
1-2 weeksSmall nursery transplant with 2-4 sets of true leaves, compact growth habit
Harden off gradually before planting. Water gently to settle soil. Pinch back early growth if desired to encourage bushiness.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksRapid stem and leaf development, plant spreads outward and fills container space
Maintain consistent moisture and feed biweekly with balanced or slightly high-phosphorus fertilizer. Pinch tips occasionally to promote branching.
Flowering (Early)
2-3 weeksFirst flower buds appear, plant becomes fuller with initial blooms
Continue fertilizing weekly with bloom-boosting formula (higher phosphorus). Remove any damaged or diseased leaves. Dead-head spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Peak Flowering
8-12 weeksAbundant lavender flowers covering much of the plant, cascading growth in baskets
Maintain rigorous dead-heading schedule for continuous blooms. Water daily in heat. Feed weekly. Monitor for pests and diseases.
Late Season/End of Season
4-8 weeks or until frostFlowering continues but may slow in extreme heat or cold; plant growth slows
In cooler zones, frost will end the season. In warm zones, provide afternoon shade if temps exceed 90°F to prevent heat stress. Reduce watering frequency as season ends.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Use strong water spray to dislodge. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
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Yellow sticky traps, neem oil, or insecticidal soap. Ensure good air circulation to reduce populations.
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Increase humidity and mist foliage. Use neem oil or miticide if severe. Maintain consistent watering.
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Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering. Remove infected leaves promptly. Apply fungicide if widespread.
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No cure; remove and destroy infected plants. Control thrips which spread the virus. Purchase disease-resistant cultivars.
Uses
Container & Landscape Ornament
HouseholdSupertunia Lavender is exceptional for hanging baskets, window boxes, mixed containers, and garden beds where its cascading habit and profuse blooms create stunning visual impact. Its disease resistance makes it reliable for both novice and experienced gardeners. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeThe abundant lavender flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds throughout the growing season, making it valuable for pollinator gardens. The extended blooming period provides consistent nectar sources. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
CraftIndividual petunia flowers can be used in small fresh flower arrangements or floral designs, though they have limited vase life (1-2 days). More commonly used for garden display rather than cutting. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not harvested for consumption. Dead-head spent flowers regularly (2-3 times per week) by pinching or cutting just below the flower base to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The 'Supertunia' series was developed specifically for improved vigor, disease resistance, and continuous blooming compared to standard petunia cultivars.
- 🌱 Petunias have been cultivated since the 1600s, originating from South America, and modern hybrids like Supertunia are far more robust than their ancestors.
- 🌱 The cascading growth habit of Supertunia varieties makes them popular for vertical gardening and can cover significant areas (12-24+ inches spread) in a single season.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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