Common Name: Garden Petunia

General Information

Garden petunia is a herbaceous, perennial plant, most commonly cultivated as an annual, growing about 60cm tall.
The edible flowers are eaten locally. A very common plant in flower gardens, there are hundreds of named varieties.

Known Hazards

Although providing many well-known foods for people, including the potato, tomato, pepper and aubergine, most plants in the family Solanaceae also contain poisonous alkaloids. Unless there are specific entries with information on edible uses, it would be unwise to ingest any part of this plant[].

Botanical References

Range

A range of hybrids, developed in the garden, mainly involving P. axillaris × P. Integrifolia.

Habitat

Not known in the wild

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.60 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental

Cultivation Details

The plant can be grown as a summer annual in areas with cold winters, or as a perennial in warmer areas.
Requires a sunny position[]. Grows and flowers best in a light, well-drained soil[]. Rich soils and shade encourage the plant to produce lush foliage, but at the expense of flowering[].

Edible Uses

Flowers - raw[]. A mild flavour, they can be eaten raw in salads or be used as a garnish on other foods[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - surface sow in containers, just firming the seed into the soil, and do not allow to dry out[]. The seed germinates best at a temperature of 15 - 20°c[]. Prick out the seedlings when large enough to handle and plant out when 10cm tall.
Softwood cuttings[].

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