Garden Petunia


Scientific Name

Petunia × atkinsiana D.Don ex Loudon


Other Names


Life Form

Herb


Family

Solanaceae



Image by - Saroj Kasaju
Usages

Food - The edible flowers are raw eaten in salads or be used as a garnish on other foods. Ornamental - A very common plant in flower gardens for its showy ornamental flower.


Native to

Cultivated worldwide


Conservation Status

Not evaluated



Plant Description

Annual or short-lived perennial 30-60 cm tall.

Oval-shaped, entire (smooth-edged) leaves with a fine pubescence (hairy covering). Green on top, lighter green underneath. Up to 7 cm long, arranged alternately on the stem.

Funnel-shaped flowers in various colors, including white, red, purple, pink, yellow, and combinations thereof. Single, double, ruffled, fringed, or striped varieties exist. Flowers are 5-10 cm wide and bloom profusely throughout summer.

Egg-shaped capsule, 1-2 cm long, green at first, turning brown at maturity. Splits open to release numerous tiny brown seeds. Not a prominent feature of the plant.