How to Grow Surfinia Burgundy
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Surfinia Burgundy
Petunia × hybrida 'Surfinia Burgundy'
flowerSurfinia Burgundy is a trailing petunia cultivar prized for its vigorous cascading growth habit and rich deep burgundy-red flowers. These tender perennials, typically grown as annuals, produce abundant blooms throughout the growing season and are ideal for hanging baskets, containers, and window boxes. The variety is known for its disease resistance and continuous flowering with minimal deadheading required.
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Example Surfinia Burgundy timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Surfinia Burgundy
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 Surfinia Burgundy blooms
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Surfinia Burgundy dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-11; grown as annual in cooler zones, perennial in zones 9-11
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Get my Surfinia Burgundy timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
1-2 weeksTiny cotyledons emerge; very delicate with minimal leaf structure
Keep soil moist but not soggy. Provide bright indirect light. Maintain 70-75°F temperature. Thin seedlings if overcrowded to prevent damping off.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops true leaves and branching structure; stems begin trailing and elongating
Maintain consistent moisture and bright light. Begin fertilizing with diluted liquid fertilizer every 1-2 weeks. Pinch growing tips early to encourage bushier trailing growth.
Pre-flowering
1-2 weeksPlant reaches mature size with dense foliage; flower buds begin to form at stem tips
Continue fertilizing; switch to lower nitrogen, higher phosphorus formula to encourage blooming. Reduce watering slightly to avoid excessive vegetative growth.
Flowering
8-12+ weeks (continuous until frost or winter dormancy)Abundant deep burgundy flowers open continuously; plant in full cascading form. Flowers are 2-3 inches across with slightly ruffled edges.
Maintain regular watering and consistent fertilizing every 2 weeks. Remove spent flowers if desired, though plant is self-cleaning. Ensure 6+ hours direct sun for maximum blooms.
Senescence/End of Season
Variable; extends through fall until first hard frost or winter dormancyFlowering decreases with onset of cooler temperatures or reduced daylight; plant may become leggy or sparse
In zones 9-11, cut back plant by one-third in late fall to rejuvenate for spring growth. In cooler zones, this is typical end-of-season decline before frost kills plant.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 7-10 days. Introduce reflective mulch. Remove heavily infested plant parts.
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Spray with strong water stream to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs.
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Increase humidity around plant. Spray with water or miticide. Use neem oil every 7 days if severe.
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Ensure good air circulation. Apply fungicide containing sulfur or potassium bicarbonate. Remove affected leaves. Avoid overhead watering.
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Remove infected flowers and foliage immediately. Improve air circulation. Reduce humidity. Avoid wetting foliage when watering.
Uses
Hanging baskets and containers
OrnamentalThe cascading growth habit makes Surfinia Burgundy ideal for hanging baskets, window boxes, and elevated planters where trailing stems can flow freely. The rich burgundy flowers create dramatic visual impact in mixed containers or as single-variety displays. [source]
Landscape color and pollinator attraction
OrnamentalThese vigorous petunias provide continuous summer-long color in garden beds and borders while attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. The deep burgundy tone offers a sophisticated color accent in landscape design. [source]
Cut flower arrangements
CraftWhile not traditionally cut flowers, individual Surfinia Burgundy blooms can be used in small arrangement designs or as floating flowers in bowls of water for short-term table displays. [source]
Butterfly and hummingbird garden
WildlifeThe abundant nectar and accessible flower shape attract Monarch butterflies, Swallowtails, and hummingbirds, making this variety valuable for pollinator garden designs. [source]
Container combinations
OrnamentalPairs well with upright foliage plants and other trailing annuals to create dynamic mixed-container designs. The burgundy color complements silver-foliaged companions and bright accent colors. [source]
Harvest Tips
Deadheading (removing spent flowers) is optional as this variety is largely self-cleaning, but removing old blooms can encourage heavier flowering and neater appearance. Pinch or cut back stems by one-third in mid-summer if plant becomes sparse or leggy to rejuvenate growth and promote fuller form. In zones 9-11, cut back by one-third in late fall for perennial use.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Surfinias are a specialized breeding line of petunias developed to have naturally spreading, trailing habits—their name evokes the laid-back surfing lifestyle, reflecting their relaxed growth pattern
- 🌱 Petunia flowers have a natural ability to open wider on sunny days and close partially on cloudy days, a behavior that helps protect pollen from moisture damage
- 🌱 The deep burgundy coloration in this cultivar results from anthocyanin pigments, the same compounds responsible for color in blueberries and red wine, giving petunias their rich, jewel-toned appearance
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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