Leaf Issues

Yellowing Leaves

Symptoms: Lower leaves turn yellow first, gradually spreading upward. Leaves may drop off if condition persists. Often accompanied by slowed growth and reduced flowering. Common Causes:

• Nitrogen deficiency from insufficient fertilization or depleted soil nutrients
• Overwatering leading to oxygen-starved roots and nutrient uptake issues
• Natural aging of lower leaves as plant directs energy to new growth and flowers

Solutions:

• Apply a balanced water-soluble fertilizer (10-10-10) weekly during growing season
• Check soil drainage and reduce watering frequency if soil stays wet for days
• Remove yellowed leaves to redirect energy to healthy growth and improve air circulation

Prevention: Feed petunias weekly with diluted liquid fertilizer during blooming season. Ensure containers have adequate drainage holes. Use well-draining potting mix amended with perlite.

Brown/Crispy Leaves

Symptoms: Leaf edges turn brown and crispy, starting from tips. Leaves feel dry and papery. Brown spots may appear in severe cases. Common Causes:

• Fertilizer burn from too concentrated feeding or dry fertilizer on leaves
• Underwatering, especially during hot summer days when petunias need frequent water
• Heat stress from temperatures above 85°F combined with low humidity

Solutions:

• Flush soil with clean water to remove excess fertilizer salts, water until it runs clear from drainage holes
• Establish consistent watering schedule, checking soil daily during summer heat
• Move containers to partial shade during hottest part of day (2-4 PM)

Prevention: Always dilute fertilizer to half strength. Water thoroughly before fertilizing. Provide afternoon shade in extreme heat. Mulch containers to keep roots cool.

Drooping/Wilting

Symptoms: Entire plant looks limp despite moist soil. Flowers droop and close. Recovery may be slow even after watering. Common Causes:

• Root damage from overwatering causing root rot and inability to uptake water
• Extreme heat stress overwhelming plant's ability to transpire
• Rootbound plants unable to access adequate water and nutrients

Solutions:

• Check roots for rot (brown, mushy roots); trim damaged roots and repot in fresh soil
• Move to cooler location and mist foliage during heat waves
• Transplant to larger container if roots circle the pot bottom

Prevention: Water only when top inch of soil is dry. Use containers with good drainage. Provide adequate pot size for vigorous Easy Wave varieties.

Leaf Drop

Symptoms: Leaves yellow then drop suddenly. Plant becomes sparse and leggy. Flowering decreases significantly. Common Causes:

• Sudden temperature changes, especially cold snaps below 40°F
• Severe drought stress followed by overwatering
• Ethylene gas exposure from ripening fruit or exhaust fumes

Solutions:

• Gradually acclimate plants to temperature changes over 7-10 days
• Resume consistent watering schedule, avoiding extremes
• Keep petunias away from ripening produce and vehicle exhaust

Prevention: Monitor weather forecasts and protect from sudden cold. Maintain consistent moisture levels. Position away from ethylene sources.

Growth Issues

Stunted Growth

Symptoms: Plants remain small despite proper care. Few flowers produced. Leaves may be pale green. Growth seems to stall after initial establishment. Common Causes:

• Poor soil quality lacking essential nutrients and organic matter
• pH imbalance preventing nutrient uptake (petunias prefer 6.0-7.0)
• Competition from weeds or overcrowding in containers

Solutions:

• Test soil pH and amend with lime (raise) or sulfur (lower) as needed
• Apply slow-release fertilizer at planting plus weekly liquid feeds
• Remove weeds and thin overcrowded plantings to recommended spacing

Prevention: Start with quality potting mix. Test and adjust pH before planting. Follow spacing guidelines of 10-12 inches for Easy Wave varieties.

Leggy/Stretching Growth

Symptoms: Long stems with few leaves. Flowers only at tips. Plant loses compact, bushy shape. May flop over from weak stems. Common Causes:

• Insufficient light causing plants to stretch toward light source
• Lack of pinching/deadheading allowing energy into long stems
• Over-fertilization with high nitrogen promoting leaf over flower growth

Solutions:

• Move to full sun location (6+ hours direct sunlight daily)
• Pinch stems back by 1/3 to promote branching and bushiness
• Switch to low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer (like 10-30-20)

Prevention: Provide full sun from the start. Pinch young plants at 4-6 inches tall. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage branching.

Pest Problems

Aphids

Identification: Tiny soft-bodied insects in green, black, or white. Cluster on new growth and flower buds. Leave sticky honeydew residue. Damage Signs: Distorted new growth, yellowing leaves, sticky residue attracting sooty mold. Reduced flowering and stunted growth. Treatment:

• Spray off with strong water stream, repeat every 2-3 days
• Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, covering undersides of leaves
• Release ladybugs or lacewings for biological control Prevention: Inspect new plants before adding to garden. Avoid over-fertilizing which creates soft, aphid-attracting growth. Encourage beneficial insects with diverse plantings.

Tobacco Budworm

Identification: Green or reddish caterpillars up to 2 inches long. Most active at night. Leave small holes in buds and flowers. Damage Signs: Holes in flower petals and buds. Buds fail to open or are destroyed. Droppings visible on leaves below damage. Treatment:

• Hand-pick caterpillars in evening when most active
• Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray weekly
• Use spinosad-based insecticide for severe infestations Prevention: Choose resistant varieties when available. Remove spent flowers promptly. Till soil in fall to destroy overwintering pupae.

Spider Mites

Identification: Microscopic pests creating fine webbing on leaves. Leaves develop stippled, bronzed appearance. Most common in hot, dry conditions. Damage Signs: Fine webbing between leaves and stems. Yellow stippling on leaves. Leaves turn bronze and drop in severe cases. Treatment:

• Spray with water including leaf undersides every other day
• Apply miticide or neem oil, rotating products to prevent resistance
• Prune heavily infested parts and dispose in sealed bags Prevention: Maintain adequate humidity around plants. Avoid dusty conditions. Remove plant debris that harbors mites.

Disease Issues

Botrytis Blight (Gray Mold)

Symptoms: Gray fuzzy mold on flowers and leaves. Brown water-soaked spots on petals. Flowers rot and collapse in humid conditions. Causes: Fungal disease thriving in cool, humid conditions with poor air circulation Treatment:

• Remove all infected plant parts immediately, disposing in trash
• Apply fungicide containing chlorothalonil or copper
• Improve air circulation by spacing plants properly Prevention: Water at soil level, not overhead. Space plants for good airflow. Remove spent flowers before they decay.

Root Rot (Pythium/Phytophthora)

Symptoms: Wilting despite moist soil. Lower leaves yellow and drop. Roots are brown, mushy, and smell foul. Plant collapses suddenly. Causes: Fungal pathogens in waterlogged soil. Poor drainage and overwatering create ideal conditions. Treatment:

• Remove plant from soil and trim all diseased roots
• Treat remaining roots with fungicide drench
• Repot in sterile, well-draining soil mix Prevention: Ensure excellent drainage in containers. Water only when needed. Sterilize pots and tools between uses.

Root Problems

Root Rot

Symptoms: Plant wilts even when soil is moist. Leaves yellow from bottom up. Growth stops and flowers drop. Foul smell from soil. Identification: Roots are brown/black and mushy instead of white and firm. Roots slip off easily when touched. Soil smells sour or rotten. Treatment:

• Remove from pot and wash roots, cutting away all diseased tissue
• Dip healthy roots in fungicide solution before repotting
• Plant in fresh, sterile potting mix with excellent drainage Prevention: Never let petunias sit in standing water. Use pots with multiple drainage holes. Add perlite to improve soil drainage.

Root Bound

Symptoms: Growth slows despite proper care. Water runs through pot quickly. Roots visible on soil surface or through drainage holes. Identification: Dense mat of circling roots when removed from pot. Little soil visible among root mass. Plant lifts easily from container. Treatment:

• Gently tease apart circling roots or make vertical cuts
• Transplant to container 2-3 inches larger in diameter
• Water thoroughly after repotting and keep in shade for 3-5 days Prevention: Repot annually or when roots fill container. Choose appropriate pot size for variety. Easy Wave needs 12+ inch containers.

Environmental Stress

Temperature Shock

Symptoms: Sudden wilting, leaf drop, or flower bud drop. Leaves may turn purple or red. Growth stops abruptly. Causes: Exposure to temperatures below 40°F or above 90°F. Rapid temperature swings of 20+ degrees. Treatment: Move to protected location. Avoid fertilizing until recovery. Trim damaged growth after new growth appears. Prevention: Harden off plants gradually over 7-10 days. Provide shade during extreme heat. Cover or bring indoors when frost threatens.

Humidity Issues

Low Humidity Symptoms: Crispy leaf edges, flower petals dry quickly, increased spider mite problems High Humidity Symptoms: Fungal diseases, gray mold on flowers, soft stem rot Solutions: Group plants together to increase humidity. Use pebble trays for dry conditions. Improve air circulation for high humidity. Prevention: Monitor humidity levels. Provide appropriate spacing. Water early in day so foliage dries before night.

Light Stress

Too Much Light: Bleached or scorched leaves, especially on south/west exposure. Flowers fade quickly. Too Little Light: Sparse flowering, leggy growth, pale green leaves, stems stretch toward light Solutions: Provide filtered shade during hottest hours for sun stress. Move to brighter location for low light issues. Prevention: Place in location with 6+ hours direct sun but afternoon shade in extreme climates. Rotate containers weekly for even growth.

Quick Diagnostic Guide

Emergency Symptoms

When to Seek Help

• Plant doesn't respond to treatment within one week
• Multiple diseases or pests present simultaneously
• Unsure of problem after consulting this guide

Prevention Checklist

• [ ] Plant in well-draining soil with proper pH (6.0-7.0)
• [ ] Provide 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily
• [ ] Water consistently when top inch of soil is dry
• [ ] Feed weekly with balanced fertilizer during bloom season
• [ ] Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming
• [ ] Monitor daily for pests and diseases, treating promptly

Recovery Timeline

Week 1: Remove damaged parts, adjust care routine, begin treatment. Plant may look worse initially. Week 2-3: New growth should appear if treatment successful. Continue monitoring and care adjustments. Month 1+: Plant should show vigorous growth and renewed flowering. Resume normal fertilization schedule.

Remember: Most Petunia 'Easy Wave Ultimate Mixed' problems are preventable with proper care. When in doubt, adjust watering first, then light conditions.