Petunia ‘Supertunia® Daybreak Charm’

Petunia ‘Supertunia® Daybreak Charm’: A Burst of Summer Color

Petunia ‘Supertunia® Daybreak Charm’ is a captivating variety from the renowned Supertunia® series by Proven Winners®. This cultivar is known for its vibrant, bi-colored flowers that feature striking watermelon pink petals with radiant sunshine-yellow centers. These colors make it a standout in any garden, providing a continuous display of blossoms from late spring until the first frost. The plant’s mounding and trailing habit makes it perfect for use in flower beds, containers, and hanging baskets, where it can act as a filler or trail gracefully over the edges.

Common Name: Supertunia® Daybreak Charm Petunia
Scientific Name: Petunia ‘Supertunia® Daybreak Charm’
Family: Solanaceae
Plant Type: Annual or perennial, depending on the climate

Plant Characteristics

• Height: 8-12 inches (20-30 cm)
• Spread: 18-24 inches (45-60 cm)
• Blooming Season: Late spring to frost
• Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Foliage: Green, medium-sized leaves
• Flowers: Watermelon pink with sunshine yellow centers
• Growth Habit: Mounding, trailing

Care Instructions for Petunia ‘Supertunia® Daybreak Charm’:

Light Requirements: Supertunia® Daybreak Charm thrives in full sun, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering. It can also tolerate part shade, but the best flowering occurs in full sun.

Watering: This petunia prefers moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist, and well-drained soil. Water the plants regularly to maintain consistent moisture, especially during dry periods. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

Soil: Plant Supertunia® Daybreak Charm in well-drained soil with good fertility. While it adapts well to a range of soil types, incorporating organic matter such as compost can improve soil fertility and moisture retention.

Fertilizing: These petunias are heavy feeders. Apply a controlled-release fertilizer at the time of planting. For containers, regular feeding with a water-soluble fertilizer every 1-2 weeks is recommended to ensure continuous blooming and vigorous growth. In landscape plantings, a second application of controlled-release fertilizer may be beneficial mid-season, especially in long growing seasons.

Pruning: Supertunia® Daybreak Charm is self-cleaning, meaning it does not require deadheading to maintain its appearance. However, if the plants become leggy, trimming back up to one-third of the plant can promote new growth and more prolific blooming. Pairing pruning with an application of water-soluble fertilizer can help rejuvenate the plant.

Pest and Disease Management: Keep an eye out for common pests such as aphids, slugs, and snails. Gray mold and foot rot can occur if the plants are kept too wet. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Propagation of Petunia ‘Supertunia® Daybreak Charm’:

Seeds:

1. Sowing: Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost date. Sow the seeds on the surface of a sterile seed-starting mix and press them gently into the soil. Do not cover the seeds, as they need light to germinate.
2. Germination: Keep the soil moist and provide bright light. Seeds typically germinate within 7-14 days.
3. Transplanting: Once seedlings have developed two sets of true leaves, transplant them into individual pots. Harden off the seedlings before planting them outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.

Cuttings:

1. Taking Cuttings: Take 3-4 inch cuttings from healthy, vigorous plants in late spring or early summer. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
2. Rooting: Insert the cuttings into a sterile, well-draining rooting medium. Keep the medium moist and place the cuttings in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight. Roots should develop in 2-3 weeks.
3. Transplanting: Once rooted, transplant the cuttings into individual pots and grow them on until they are large enough to plant out.

Special Features

• Heat and Drought Tolerance: This variety is particularly suited to hot, dry climates and performs well even in challenging conditions.
• Self-Cleaning: No need to deadhead, as the plant naturally sheds spent blooms.
• Attracts Pollinators: The vibrant flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies, enhancing garden biodiversity.
• Versatile Use: Ideal for containers, hanging baskets, ground covers, and landscape plantings.

Landscape Uses

• Containers and Hanging Baskets: The mounding and trailing habit make it a perfect filler or spiller in mixed plantings.
• Flower Beds and Borders: Provides continuous color and works well in mass plantings for a dramatic effect.
• Edging: The compact growth habit makes it suitable for edging along pathways or garden beds.
• Ground Cover: Can be used as a colorful ground cover in sunny areas.

Conclusion

Petunia ‘Supertunia® Daybreak Charm’ is a versatile, low-maintenance plant that brings vibrant color to gardens and containers. Its stunning watermelon pink and sunshine yellow flowers, combined with its ease of care and resilience, make it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Whether used as a ground cover, in hanging baskets, or as a filler in mixed containers, this petunia is sure to provide a dazzling display throughout the growing season.