Petunia violacea SHANIN (20 seeds)

Violet Petunia, also known as Petunia violacea or Shanin, is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the Solanaceae family. It is native to the tropical regions of South America. Its growth is rapid, reaching 20 to 30 cm in height by late summer.

The foliage is dense and abundant, with oval, slightly fuzzy (downy) leaves. Their color varies from light to dark green, providing beautiful uniformity in flower beds. The leaves often release a light scent when crushed.

Its flowering is violet or deep purple. The trumpet-shaped flowers appear in abundance throughout the summer, sometimes until the first frosts. Flowering is continuous if the plant is well-maintained, offering a colorful and generous display.

The fruits are small ovoid capsules containing numerous seeds. Fruit production occurs at the end of the season after flowering.

Purple Petunia seeds are round and extremely small, almost like sand dust. They measure between 0.2 and 0.4 millimeters in diameter. Their color ranges from dark brown to black.

- Uses:

It is often considered one of the ancestors of modern horticultural petunias.

Petunia violacea is highly appreciated for its "wild" appearance. Its highly decorative flowers and ease of cultivation make it a plant primarily used for ornamentation. With its abundant flowering and creeping habit, it is ideal for hanging baskets, low walls, or as a groundcover in flower beds, creating very dense floral carpets. It has excellent weather resistance and adapts well to poor soils. Its flowers emit a soft, light nocturnal fragrance that attracts pollinators such as moths.

From an ethnobotanical perspective, it was consumed as tobacco by indigenous peoples and used in magical preparations during ethnic rituals. In the mountainous region of Ecuador, it has been used as a "phantasmatic" plant and is known by the indigenous name Shanin. Chemical analysis of this species has not detected alkaloids, and the active constituents remain unknown. Indigenous populations in Ecuador report sensations of the body "lifting" or levitating.
Do not consume for psychoactive or medicinal effects; cultivate solely for the preservation of the botanical species.

- Germination and Sowing:

• The best period to sow Shanin petunia is from May onwards.
• Sow the seeds in a tray of horticultural potting soil without burying them (they need light to germinate).
• Water gently using a manual sprayer.
• Finally, place the culture in a greenhouse at a temperature of 30°C.
• Germination usually begins 2 to 3 weeks after sowing.

- Substrate / Soil Type:

This petunia prefers light, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. A universal potting soil enriched with compost or humus is perfect for promoting growth and development.

- Exposure / Sunlight:

It loves full sun locations, requiring at least 4 to 6 hours of daily sunlight for the best flowering results.

- Temperature / Hardiness:

Petunias are sensitive to cold. It thrives in temperatures between 15°C and 25°C. In cold regions, it must be grown in pots or protected in winter, as it is not hardy at all.

- Watering / Water Needs:

It requires moderate but regular watering, ensuring the soil stays slightly moist without becoming waterlogged. Watering should be more frequent during hot spells and when first planting.

- Reproduction / Multiplication:

Reproduction is mainly done by seed, but it can also be propagated by "smothered" cuttings (high humidity) in early summer for faster recovery.

- Pests / Predators:

It can be attacked by aphids, thrips, or caterpillars. It is advisable to monitor regularly and use appropriate treatments, such as black soap solutions, if necessary.