Question
I'm a beginner to gardening. This is my first garden, a memorial to my MIL. It's a small section about 8'x 5'.  I have all kinds of flowers (salvia, marigolds, pansies, forget-me- nots,impatiens, snap dragons, begonias) all planted that are surviving and thriving... but my petunias aren't.  I've replaced about 12 plants, and still have about another 6 dying slowly.  I've recently added mulch to the top... but still no luck.  The plants all start to die from the bottom up. It almost looks like a wind blew dirt all over them.  Where they appear to be crumbling.  Is this some sort of disease that only effects petunias?  I'm ready to just give up on them and get some more impatiens to fill in the dead plants.  BTW, I'm really starting to love gardening :).   Thanks in advance, Carole

Answer
Carole, considering the other annuals are thriving in the same garden bed, I doubt there is a problem with the soil, unless there is a soilborne bacteria that is only affecting these particular petunias.

You didn't mention what variety of petunia you are growing. Many of the current hybrids like Celebrity and the Wave series are tolerant to most diseases. Heirloom petunias, however, are highly susceptible to disease and often will die off from the bottom up.

I order my hybrid seeds from a company called Park Seed. Most garden centers also carry a wide variety of hybrids. Ask for these specifically.

When growing petunias, be sure to prune them back once per month. Otherwise, they will get leggy and sometimes give the appearance of dying. Many times, just pruning back 1/3 of the plant will rejuvenate it and stimulate more blooms.

Also, be sure not to overwater the petunias. They like the soil to dry out between watering. Excess water in the soil can cause the roots to rot, which will cause similar symptoms to those you described.

I hope this answered your question. Please write again if I can ever provide assistance.

Regards,

Mike