Petunias have long been a popular garden flower. Now with hardy hybrids available in colors other than standard purple, the plant is more attractive than ever. Blooms can be found in a range of colors from light pink to red and pale blue to deep purple.

    Flowers are trumpet shaped. They may have veins in a contrasting color, and may have edges that are smooth or fluted, ruffled, or fringed. A few types have a mild cinnamon scent. As an added bonus, you may find hummingbirds attracted to the petunia beds.

    The plants are available either in the larger single grandiflora or the double multiflora. They may range from 6 inches to 2 feet tall. An even smaller spreading type is used as groundcover. A cascading variety works well in hanging containers or window boxes. The smaller multiflora withstands wind and hard rains better than its larger cousin.

    Learning how to care for petunias is not difficult. The profusion of color they lend to your garden easily repays the effort.

    Choose a plot of land that enjoys full sun, although petunias will bloom in partial shade. They should receive at least half a day of sunshine. Soil should be somewhat sandy, slightly acidic, and well drained.

    Petunias will do better if the soil is enriched with organic matter. Spread the organic matter on 2-3 inches thick. Then work it carefully into soil to a depth of 8-10 inches. It's important to work it into the soil well.

    Petunias will need some attention once they begin to blossom. Modern varieties need little care. You may want to pinch them back at the top to encourage bushy growth. Their main need at this point is water. Their roots are shallow and dry out quickly. Keep them well watered through the hottest part of the summer.

    If the plants get leggy and produce fewer flowers, they can be cut back. Pruning them back as much as one-half can give them new vitality.