Grow and Glow in Your Outdoor Space With Firefly Petunias

While these flowers may look like regular petunias by day, Firefly Petunias turn into enchanting, glowing beauties at night. The soft greenish glow may actually fool you into thinking it’s the glow of a firefly on a warm summer’s evening – an effect that inspired their magical name.

Unlike some other novelty plants that require special lighting, they naturally emit their glow. They are the world’s first light-emitting flower, created by incorporating DNA from bioluminescent tropical mushrooms. This gives them their own natural glow, without enhancement from a UV light.

This is how Firefly Petunias appear during regular daylight.

These special blooms make a unique addition to containers, window boxes, or even a moon garden. Despite their magical appearance, they don’t require much more care than a typical petunia. Before planting, here are a few things to keep in mind along with some simple care tips to help them thrive.

Tips For Growing Firefly Petunias

1. Plant multiple Firefly Petunias together to help create more glow.
2. Plant in full sun, where they will get at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight. It supports growth to help enhance their bioluminescence.
3. Keep protected, shielded from strong winds! Plant in sheltered spots, like on your patio, or hanging baskets that you can move during weather events.
4. Plant in an area or a planter with well-draining soil. If your soil has a lot of clay, amend it with organic matter for best results or use a quality potting mix like Scott’s Miracle-Gro Flower Soil.
5. Plant with other white flowers, like white Angelonia, or silver foliage that can enhance the display after dark.

The natural bioluminescence of Firefly Petunias can have a dramatic effect on your outdoor entertaining space in the evening hours.

Best Care Practices for Growing Firefly Petunias

1. Keep the soil most, but do not overwater. Their roots do not want to sit in soggy soil. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering.
2. Fertilize every 1 – 2 weeks with Miracle-Gro Shake n’ Feed. In containers, you can use slow-release fertilizer.
3. Keep them blooming by deadheading (or pinching) regularly, by removing the tips of the stems or shriveled flowers to promote bushier, compact growth. If they become leggy, prune them back.

This innovative plant’s luminous properties are most visible in complete darkness and the stems and leaves will glow the brightest since those parts of the plants are actively growing.  It’s so easy to enjoy these flower that add an extra special glow to your flower beds or outdoor space this summer. We’re sure they will be quite a conversation piece with your guests.

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