How to Grow Supertunia Plus Lavender

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Supertunia Plus Lavender

Petunia × hybrida (Supertunia series) + Lavandula angustifolia

flower

Supertunia Plus Lavender is a hybrid petunia variety bred to be exceptionally vigorous, heat-tolerant, and disease-resistant, often combined with fragrant lavender in mixed container plantings. The petunia produces abundant flowers in various colors with a spreading, mounding habit, while lavender adds aromatic foliage and purple flower spikes. Together they create a stunning, fragrant container display perfect for patios, balconies, and gardens.

When should you plant Supertunia Plus Lavender in your zone?

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Example Supertunia Plus Lavender timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Supertunia Plus Lavender

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Supertunia Plus Lavender blooms

    Around Jun 1

    ≈ 45 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Supertunia Plus Lavender dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily (minimum 6 hours for best blooming)
💧
Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil is dry. Supertunia tolerates some drought; lavender prefers drier conditions once established
📏
Spacing: 12-18 inches apart (Supertunias spread 24-36 inches wide) inches
📅
Days to maturity: 45-60 days to first blooms from transplant
🌱
Planting depth: Plant transplants at same depth as nursery pots; barely cover petunia seeds if direct seeding

Soil

Type: Well-draining potting soil or sandy loam
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Compost for organic matter Balanced slow-release fertilizer

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives best in zones 5-10; annual in cooler zones, returning in warmer zones

3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b

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Growth Stages

1

Transplant/Establishment

1-2 weeks

Young plants with 3-4 leaf sets, compact form. Lavender begins developing silvery-green foliage.

Harden off transplants gradually. Plant after last frost. Water gently to avoid damping off. Avoid overwatering lavender.

2

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Rapid branching and stem elongation. Petunia stems sprawl outward; lavender stems stretch upward. Full foliage development.

Pinch petunia tips early to encourage bushier growth. Provide balanced fertilizer weekly. Ensure excellent drainage for lavender.

3

Flowering Initiation

2-3 weeks

First flower buds appear on petunia stems; lavender flower spikes begin forming. Color intensifies.

Continue regular watering for petunia; reduce frequency for lavender. Apply low-nitrogen fertilizer to encourage blooms.

4

Peak Blooming

8-12 weeks (until frost or end of season)

Profuse petunia flowers cover the plant; lavender displays dense purple flower spikes. Plant appears full and colorful.

Deadhead spent petunia flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming. Water petunia consistently; allow lavender to dry between waterings.

5

Late Season/Senescence

4-6 weeks

Flower production may slow in extreme heat or after first frost. Plants begin declining in cooler zones.

In warm zones, prune back by 1/3 to rejuvenate. Stop fertilizing as temperatures cool. Dig and save lavender in cold zones.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Avoid planting near:

Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli) - attract similar pests Fennel - allelopathic, inhibits growth Heavy clay soil amendments - cause root rot

Common Pests

  • Spray with insecticidal soap weekly; encourage natural predators; use yellow sticky traps. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer.

  • Increase humidity with misting; spray with miticide or insecticidal soap. Remove heavily infested leaves. Maintain adequate watering.

  • Spray with water to dislodge; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage ladybugs and lacewings.

  • Improve air circulation; remove affected foliage; avoid overhead watering. Apply fungicide if severe. Reduce humidity.

  • and

    Hand-pick; use copper tape around containers; apply slug bait. Remove hiding spots like dense mulch near plants.

Uses

🍳

Culinary Lavender

Culinary

Dried lavender buds add floral notes to baked goods, honey, vinegars, and tea blends. Fresh petals garnish desserts and salads. [source]

💊

Relaxation & Sleep Support

Medicinal

Lavender essential oil and dried flowers are widely used in aromatherapy, herbal teas, and tinctures to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality. [source]

🏠

Fragrance & Pest Control

Household

Dried lavender bundles freshen closets, drawers, and rooms; the scent naturally repels moths, mosquitoes, and some insects while providing natural perfume. [source]

🎨

Dried Flower Arrangements & Crafts

Craft

Dried lavender stems and petunia flowers are ideal for wreaths, bouquets, sachets, and craft projects. Both retain color and fragrance well when dried. [source]

🦋

Pollinator Magnet

Wildlife

Both petunias and lavender attract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinators, making this planting excellent for supporting garden ecosystems. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Deadhead petunia flowers as they fade to extend blooming season (remove entire flower, not just petals). Harvest lavender flowers in early morning when they just begin to open, cutting stems 1/3 down from the top. For dried lavender, cut flower spikes when 2/3 of the buds are open, bundle loosely, and hang upside down in a cool, dark, well-ventilated space for 2-3 weeks.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Supertunia petunias were bred by Proven Winners to be 40% more vigorous than traditional petunias, with superior disease resistance and heat tolerance.
  • 🌱 Lavender has been cultivated for over 2,500 years and was used by Romans to scent bathwater; the name derives from the Latin 'lavare' meaning 'to wash.'
  • 🌱 Petunia and lavender are an ideal pairing because petunias prefer consistent moisture and afternoon shade in hot climates, while lavender thrives in drier, sunnier spots—they complement each other's water needs in mixed containers.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

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