Hibberd
remarked that the petunia's (Petunia phoenecia)
usefulness rested first on its beauty, and next on the
ease with which it could be adapted to different decorative
effects within the garden.
The
best way to grow petunias was to sow the seed thinly
in a well made border about mid-April. As soon as the
seedlings had three or four leaves, they could be thinned,
and those taken out replanted elsewhere. When in flower
the best should be marked and, if the gardener wished
to perpetuate them, cuttings could be taken about August,
five or six together in five inch pots in sandy loam,
then placed in a greenhouse
or frame
for the winter.
The
gardener could also purchase plants of the best varieties,
and save seeds from those.
The
petunia is a 'very nearly hardy' plant, needed good
air and a light, rich sandy soil. The Victorian gardener
would also stake the plants as they became 'leggy'.
If
kept under glass during summer the petunia invariably
became infested with green-fly, the only Victorian remedy
being to fumigate with tobacco smoke (do not
do this yourself).
