When it comes to petunias, there are two main varieties to choose from: grandiflora and multiflora. While they both belong to the same petunia family, there are some key differences between the two.
1. Flower Size: One of the main distinctions between grandiflora and multiflora petunias is the size of their flowers. Grandiflora petunias produce larger flowers compared to the smaller blooms of the multiflora varieties. The grandiflora flowers can be as big as 4-5 inches in diameter, making them quite impressive and eye-catching.
2. Flower Quantity: While grandiflora petunias have larger flowers, multiflora petunias make up for it by producing a greater quantity of flowers. The multiflora varieties tend to have more blooms per plant, creating a more abundant and vibrant display. This makes them an excellent choice for mass plantings in flower beds or containers.
3. Single and Double Flowering: Both grandiflora and multiflora petunias come in single and double flowering varieties. Single flowering petunias have a single row of petals, while double flowering petunias have multiple rows of petals, giving them a fuller and more layered appearance. This allows for more variety in choosing the type of flower you prefer.
4. Compactness and Weather Resistance: Multiflora petunias are generally more compact and bushier in growth habit compared to grandiflora petunias. This makes them a great choice for smaller gardens or containers where space is limited. Additionally, multiflora petunias are known to be more resistant to wet weather conditions, such as rain or humidity, making them a reliable option for areas with unpredictable climates.
In my personal experience, I have found multiflora petunias to be incredibly versatile and resilient. I have used them in various flower bed designs and have always been impressed by their ability to produce a profusion of blooms even in less-than-ideal weather conditions. Their compactness also makes them easier to manage and maintain compared to the more sprawling grandiflora varieties.
To summarize, grandiflora and multiflora petunias differ in terms of flower size, quantity, single or double flowering, compactness, and weather resistance. While grandiflora petunias offer larger individual blooms, multiflora petunias make up for it with a greater number of flowers. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and the specific needs of your garden or landscaping project.
