In touch with the world ... at home on the High Plains
HPPR Arts, Culture & History

Celebrating the red, white and blue with petunias

High Plains Public Radio | By Skip Mancini
Published July 2, 2015 at 12:00 AM CDT
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Email

Your browser doesn’t support HTML5 audio
vcmga.org

This week we'll celebrate Old Glory by examining a popular way to 'plant the colors' in your yard or garden.  With roots in South America, the colorful petunia provides a basis for the three colors needed to recreate the American flag.  Though red and white flower blooms abound in our part of plains, blue blossoms are harder to grow successfully because they often need a more acidic soil than we can provide.  But petunias seem to fill the bill for that blue color, and their relatively low cost and successful growth record make them a good choice for patriotic planting.  

HPPR Arts, Culture & HistorypetuniasJuly 4th
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
Skip Mancini
Years ago Skip Mancini left the rocky coast of Northern California to return to her roots in the heartland. Her San Francisco friends, concerned over her decision to live in a desolate flatland best known for a Hollywood tornado, were afraid she would wither and die on the vine. With pioneer spirit, Skip planted a garden. She began to learn about growing not only flowers and vegetables, but hearts and minds. If you agree that the prairie is a special place, we think you'll enjoy her weekly sojourns into Growing on the High Plains.
See stories by Skip Mancini
  1. Fourth of July Fun
  2. The Great Tomato Race
  3. Survey says... High Plains fizzles on Fourth
  4. Red, White, and Blue