Tikitorch petunia

Question: My beautiful and otherwise healthy looking TikiTorch Petunia has many flowers that are now coming out a strictly deep red color - not the vibrant striping it had. Some have bits of yellow on the edges. 

It is planted in a flower pot with a Velvet purple (almost black) petunia.

Thoughts on why it is coming out just red?
As I said, it looks healthy and happy otherwise.
Is its neighbor, the Velvet - influencing it's colors?

They look so great together!
But I'll separate them if that is the cause!
Tiki is gorgeous!

Thank you

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied June 20, 2023, 7:28 AM EDT
response: Good Morning Carin,  Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service.  The velvet purple plant is not affecting the color of the Tikitorch petunia.  Here is a link from Penn State about the flower trials from 2019 at Penn State:  https://agsci.psu.edu/flower-trials/trial-year/2019/plant-name/petunia-crazytunia-tiki-torch It appears to be a recent hybrid. I cannot address the quality of the appearance of the flowers. Ensure it is getting fertilized and watered adequately in the heat. Is it getting full sun? The sun exposure may affect the quality of the blooms.  Good Luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 20, 2023, 11:41 AM EDT
response: Maureen,Thank you so much for such a helpful and prompt response!I fed her yesterday and will do what I can to increase her number of hours in the sun!I really appreciate your help.Just one more reason to love the UM Extension services!Perhaps i will see you at the State Fair!? I NEVER miss the UM when I am there!Have a great summer and thank you againCarinOn Tue, Jun 20, 2023, 6:28 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied June 21, 2023, 7:58 AM EDT
response: You are welcome! We are willing volunteers!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 21, 2023, 12:58 PM EDT
response: I have a follow up, if you don't mind?My Lilliput Zinnias flowers are neither as large nor as colorful as one would expect.After ever so carefully separating their roots to give them more room to grow (they gave me the melodramatic "I'm going to die" response, before perking up into wonderfully full and healthy looking plants!Yet still, small and dull flowers emerge.I've tried to elevate them so their soil isn't baking on the hot roof.But could THAT be the issue?Many thanks ~ from that hot deck!Carin Peterson <personal data hidden> On Wed, Jun 21, 2023, 6:58 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied June 22, 2023, 7:36 AM EDT
response: Good Morning Carin,  From you comments, it sounds like the zinnias are in a container on the deck.  Please click on this link from the U of M Extension Yard and Garden website: https://extension.umn.edu/flowers/zinnia This information states: Zinnias perform better in garden beds than containers and, due to their ability to grow so quickly, can be direct-seeded.  From my own experience with zinnias, once they are up and growing, I do not move or disturb them. When you disturbed them it might have stunted their growth.  Good Luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 22, 2023, 3:12 PM EDT
response: Thank you.This explains a lot about my zinnia problems.One last bizarre question.Any idea what this is and why these are found around my not healthy cucumber?Pictures attached.Bright turquoise!On Thu, Jun 22, 2023, 6:36 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied June 22, 2023, 3:43 PM EDT
response: Carin, The photo is out of focus and I cannot tell what it is.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 22, 2023, 4:07 PM EDT
response: I chose that one because I found "it" right on the root stemLet's see if one of these other pix works better.There may be more in the soil. I hope not.Because;I've lost my tomato plant to blight or wilt. I forgetLuckily was able to harvest a nice little batch of red potatoes before they had to go (long story).My sweet peas won't grow taller ~ I assume because we had such a short Spring! Just a wet Winter and BAM ~ hot summer!BUT ~ my basil is growing like crazy! And the velvet petunias are blooming their sweet,  dark little hearts out!I will take a win where a win I can find!Many, oh so many thanks!Carin On Thu, Jun 22, 2023, 2:43 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied June 22, 2023, 4:18 PM EDT
response: Carin,  I still cannot SEE the details of the insect. Here is a link to "What insect is this?" from the U of M Extension Yard and Garden website: https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/insect/ I was unable to find anything similar. Does it have wings, eyes, antennae, how many legs?  Good Luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 22, 2023, 10:45 PM EDT
response: I've been trying and trying to fund more details for identification with no luck!The only reason I even THINK it is a bug is that it seemed to sort of ooze innards when I accidentally squished it pulling out of the dirt!They either die pretty quickly when exposed ~ I found them during rhe day  and this HOT   spell. Or maybe it's exposure to sunlight? Or maybe....it's a mystery to live with.I really appreciate all of the help!If anyone else turn up with the strange turquoise bug problem ~ I would love to hear about it!Otherwise, have yourself a wonderful summer and I'll look for you at the Fair!CarinOn Thu, Jun 22, 2023, 3:18 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied June 23, 2023, 7:48 AM EDT
response: You are welcome! Happy Gardening!