Unveiling the Remarkable Journey of Edible Petunias
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- The Fascinating History of Petunias
2.1 The Arrival of Petunias in Europe
2.2 James Tweedie and the Rise of Petunias in Britain
2.3 The Development of New Varieties
2.4 The Popularity of Giants of California Petunias
2.5 The Beauty of Double-Flowering Petunias
- Petunias and the Discovery of Benzaldehyde
- The Czech Connection: Černý's Petunias
4.1 The Introduction of "Karkulka"
4.2 "Pozdrav z Jaroměře" and "Černý's Triumf"
4.3 Show-Stopping Superbissima Varieties
- A Unique Choice for Gardeners
The Fascinating History of Petunias
To Victorian gardeners, petunias were a South American exotic. Today, they have become a common sight in parking lots, malls, and apartment complex planters, adding delightful bursts of color to these areas. While they are indeed easy to grow and come in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes, the history and nature of petunias make them far more fascinating.
2.1 The Arrival of Petunias in Europe
Wild petunias, scientifically known as Petunia violacea, are actually related to the tobacco plant. Their journey from South America to Europe began in the early 19th century when botanist Antoine Laurent de Jussieu borrowed from the indigenous Tupi-Guarani language to name these fragrant white flowers. The name "petun" roughly translates to 'inferior tobacco'. De Jussieu's naming of the plant laid the foundation for their recognition in Europe.
2.2 James Tweedie and the Rise of Petunias in Britain
The real breakthrough for petunias came when James Tweedie, the retired head gardener of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh, discovered the purple Petunia violacea during one of his South American seed expeditions in 1831. Sending the seeds back to Scotland, Tweedie sparked a frenzy of petunia breeding and caught the attention of British garden magazines. Soon, petunias became the darlings of Victorian gardeners across Britain.
2.3 The Development of New Varieties
The passion for petunias continued to grow, leading to the development of many new varieties. In 1872, a breeder in Erfurt, Germany observed a mutation that resulted in a large-flowered head, leading to the creation of 'superbissima' petunias. By the 1880s, these stunning flowers started to appear in American seed catalogs, with D.M. Ferry offering a hybrida grandiflora Superbissima in 1885 and Burpee introducing the "Black-throated Superbissima Petunia" in 1888.
2.4 The Popularity of Giants of California Petunias
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the "Giants of California" petunias became immensely popular. Ventura, California seedswoman Theodosia Burr Shepherd started offering these grand petunias in her catalogs, and her acquaintance Ella Elizabeth Gould joined in by publishing her own price list catalog and supplying other seed companies. The Giants of California petunias reigned supreme until the 1930s when hybrids became more prominent.
2.5 The Beauty of Double-Flowering Petunias
Double-flowering petunias, with their stunning full blooms, have also played a significant role in the history of petunias. While their existence was noted in Europe as early as 1849, it was not until Takeo Sakata developed a reliable method of producing large, wavy double petunias that they gained widespread attention. Sakata introduced his "All Double" petunia in 1934, paving the way for the enjoyment of these beautiful flowers.
Petunias and the Discovery of Benzaldehyde
In recent times, petunias have been utilized for scientific research. Researchers at Purdue University have used petunias to uncover the molecular recipe for benzaldehyde, a vital compound found in cherry and other flavorings like almond and raspberry. This discovery provides the possibility of using petunias as a natural means of creating these flavors, opening up new avenues in the world of flavor development.
The Czech Connection: Černý's Petunias
The Černý's seed company, based in Czech Republic, has played a significant role in petunia breeding. In 1934, they introduced their first non-hybrid petunia called "Karkulka," which means "Little Red Riding Hood." This single bloom petunia fimbriata with frayed edges captivated the gardening community. Three years later, the company introduced "Pozdrav z Jaroměře" ("Greetings from Jaromer") and "Černý's Triumf" ("Černý's Triumph"), both exceptional superbissima petunias. These varieties are still available today, boasting massive blooms measuring five to seven inches across.
A Unique Choice for Gardeners
While most petunias on the market today are F1 hybrids, Černý's petunias offer gardeners a unique alternative. These stunning varieties are true throwbacks to petunia types available more than a century ago, bringing a touch of nostalgia and individuality to gardens. Whether you opt for the vibrant Giants of California or the gorgeous superbissima petunias, growing these historic flowers is sure to add a touch of enchantment to your garden.
【Highlights】
- The fascinating journey of petunias from South America to Europe
- James Tweedie and the rise of petunias in British gardens
- The development of new varieties, including the Giants of California
- The beauty and popularity of double-flowering petunias
- Petunias' role in the discovery of benzaldehyde
- The exceptional petunias bred by Černý's seed company
【FAQs】
Q: How long have petunias been cultivated by gardeners?
A: Petunias have been cultivated by gardeners for over a century, with their popularity increasing during the Victorian era.
Q: Can petunias be grown in containers?
A: Yes, petunias are well-suited for container gardening and can thrive in pots, hanging baskets, or window boxes.
Q: Are there any petunia varieties that attract hummingbirds?
A: Yes, certain petunia varieties, particularly those with bright colors and trumpet-shaped flowers, can attract hummingbirds to your garden.
Q: Are petunias easy to care for?
A: Yes, petunias are generally low-maintenance plants and are relatively easy to care for. They require regular watering, sunlight, and occasional fertilization.
Q: Can petunias withstand hot weather?
A: Petunias are known for their ability to tolerate hot weather and continue to bloom throughout the summer months.
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