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Are surfinias easy to grow from seed?

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  • Are surfinias easy to grow from seed?

    Im wondering if i should just buy loads of plugs or grow some from seed for the tower that I want to do next year.
    How easy are sufinias to grow from seed?

    thanks guys
    Last edited by veggiechicken; 05-11-2015, 02:47 PM.
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  • #2
    Here's a link to an article on T & M's website. It isn't specifically about surfinia's but they are after all just another variety of petunia. Petunias | Thompson & Morgan
    Last edited by Aberdeenplotter; 05-11-2015, 11:35 AM.

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    • #3
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      • #4
        They are easy to grow from seed, sort of ... the problem is they can't stand the cold. If you wait until May when it's warm enough, they are going to be late flowering. But if you start them early in warmth, it's a lot of faffing about and it's hard to give them enough light.

        I don't grow them in large quantities so I buy them in modules. If I wanted loads I'd probably try seeds in March with some warmth and try and coddle them through in the cold greenhouse.
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        • #5
          The other thing about Surfinias is the seeds, they are like dust they are so tiny.
          They are also quite slow growing, so as Martin said, if you wait until the weather warms up they are likely to be late flowering.

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          • #6
            I found the difference between petunia & other plants is the seeds are dust like,tiny barely there molecules but chuck them all in a pot,when potting on they're very shallow rooted & delicate hands needed,but I managed so I'd say it's easy for you,started the seeds off in march. Mine still have flowers now although they're fading. I'l always grow petunia from seed now to save money.
            Location : Essex

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            • #7
              Surfinias are usualy propagated from cuttings, so if its surfinias you want, wait till Feb/ March and buy some large plug plants to take cuttings which root quite easily in a mix of compost/coarse sand, and this will give you a number of plants.Or if you have any surfinia plants at present take seeds from them and sow them, but remember surfinias are F1 so dont breed true from seeds
              it may be a struggle to reach the top, but once your over the hill your problems start.

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              • #8
                Originally posted by rary View Post
                Surfinias are usualy propagated from cuttings, so if its surfinias you want, wait till Feb/ March and buy some large plug plants to take cuttings which root quite easily in a mix of compost/coarse sand, and this will give you a number of plants.Or if you have any surfinia plants at present take seeds from them and sow them, but remember surfinias are F1 so dont breed true from seeds
                I'd disagree that this is the usual method, there are loads of seeds available and that's the only way I've ever grown them. Agree with the comments above, the seeds are like dust (although I think you can buy pelleted forms which are easier to handle although obviously they'll cost more). Incredibly easy to grow though although I haven't done for a few years as I've realised I don't like them very much and can't be bothered to keep on top of the deadheading.

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                • #9
                  Originally posted by Alison View Post
                  I'd disagree that this is the usual method, there are loads of seeds available and that's the only way I've ever grown them. Agree with the comments above, the seeds are like dust
                  Alison, I think that the Surfinia brand is still under breeders rights and can only be grown for sale under licence and at present you cant buy surfinia seeds, although are a number of other trailing petunias seeds avaliable. I could be wrong in that as I have not looked for them recently as I overwinter mine or buy large plug plant for cuttings, which I recon is the cheapest way to get Surfinias.
                  it may be a struggle to reach the top, but once your over the hill your problems start.

                  Member of the Nutters Club but I think I am just there to make up the numbers

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                  • #10
                    Originally posted by Jungle Jane View Post
                    I found the difference between petunia & other plants is the seeds are dust like,tiny barely there molecules
                    As with all very small seeds, the best way to sow them is to mix them with a small amount of silver sand and then sow. That way, you will see where the compost has been covered and at the same time get an even application of seed over the tray

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                    • #11
                      Originally posted by Aberdeenplotter View Post
                      As with all very small seeds, the best way to sow them is to mix them with a small amount of silver sand and then sow. That way, you will see where the compost has been covered and at the same time get an even application of seed over the tray
                      I mix carrot seed with sand but you can see those seeds. Ive just been looking at what seeds i have here. One packet of petunia has 30 seeds so I can't throw all them in one pot,I'l try the sand thanks AP
                      Location : Essex

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