The Spooky Petunia Variety To Plant In Late Summer For Halloween Blooms

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As summer winds down, you might be thinking that there isn't much left to plant or cultivate to satisfy your green thumb. Perhaps you're hoping to bridge that gap between summer and fall with something still alive and growing that is also autumnal, maybe mysterious, or possibly has a hint of the macabre. If you're lucky, as you wander around your garden centers looking for inspiration, you might come across a spooky petunia variety to plant in late summer for Halloween blooms. The petunia flower (Petunia Juss.) is one of the 15 annuals that bloom with bold purple flowers, and purple is a great Halloween color, but that isn't the spooky variety that will make your outdoor decor really stand out. No, it's the remarkably unique, very dark 'Black Cat' petunia that will haunt you if you don't grab it.

'Black Cat,' marketed by W. Atlee Burpee & Co., is considered to be the first black petunia. It was cultivated to be truly black, although when it first came out in 2011, it appeared with deep violet shading, particularly on the underside. That shouldn't surprise most people who are familiar with botany because scientists would tell you that any black colorings our eyes perceive are very dark versions of blues or purples created by substances known as anthrocyanins. The experts have worked hard to develop a true black flower, and while it remains elusive, the 'Black Cat' petunia is the most intensely hued of the black petunia varieties.

To enjoy 'Black Cat' petunias in time for Halloween, you'll need to find a live plant in your local greenhouse or nursery. That's because growing the spooky-black flower from seed would take too long if you're looking at a late summer through end of October window. Like all petunias, the seeds need approximately 7 to 15 days to germinate, and they won't flower for approximately 10 to 12 weeks after that. If possible, purchase a plant that's already budding or flowering to maximize your enjoyment of its dramatic blossoms. 

Although petunias are only hardy in zones 10 and 11, they're annuals elsewhere. The blooms should hang in there for about 10 weeks if the temperatures stay above 40 degrees (even at night) and you don't experience a frost. Covering them with plastic or an old sheet on chilly nights can also protect them.

To keep the blooms coming, you'll want to remember to deadhead your 'Black Cat' petunias. Don't make the common mistake everyone makes when deadheading petunias. Be sure to remove the shriveled-up flowers (along with the green cap-like part that the flower is attached to) in order to keep the inky flowers blooming. In general, they'll last until the first frost. We have some tips for caring for your petunias if temperatures dip, but the easiest tip is to plant them in something moveable so you can bring them inside if it gets too cold.

The distinctive look and unmistakably spooky vibe of 'Black Cat' petunias are perfect for Halloween decor. There are a lot of fearfully, frighteningly fun ways to display your delightfully dark flower. If you're creating a spooky-themed arrangement for a hanging basket or pot, try tucking a few glow sticks in the basket at night or point a black light bulb toward the 'Black Cat' petunias, giving them a more ghoulish feeling.

Come to think of it, why put your thriving black petunia plant in any ordinary pot? Wouldn't the 'Black Cat' petunia look even more spooky as the "hair" on this Moofar tree face planter that looks as though it were carved from a stump? If that's just a little too spooky, try the petunias in a pair of Urban Gardener Jack-O-Lantern fiber clay 10-inch pots. 

Be sure to give it deep and consistent watering during the growing period, adding some water-soluble fertilizer every couple of weeks or as recommended by the manufacturer or grower. Keep an eye out for other potential issues, too, like aphids or whiteflies. You wouldn't want a dried, crackly plant in a pretty, new planter, right? With a little imagination, this spooky petunia can truly boo-tify your porch or doorstep.