African Sunset - Petunia

African Sunset is the 2014 All-America Selections National Winner, bred by Takii & Co. Ltd. The AAS report describes a mounding 12-inch petunia with prolific flowers all season long. University of Missouri Extension identifies its distinctive blooms as shades of orange. [AAS 2014 Annual Report](https://all-americaselections.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/AAS-Annual-Report-2014.pdf) [Missouri Extension](https://ipm.missouri.edu/meg/2014/2/New-Bedding-Plants-for-2014/). ## Garden Use UF/IFAS lists petunias generally for color masses, containers, hanging baskets, and seasonal groundcover. African Sunset’s compact, mounding growth suits seasonal displays in those settings. [UF/IFAS petunia guide](https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/petunias/). ## Site and Water UF/IFAS recommends full sun and well-drained soil kept moist for petunias. Its Florida guidance suggests 1–2 inches of water every 7–10 days after establishment and avoiding frequent light watering. Adjust this general guidance for local rainfall, heat, soil, and container drainage. ## Maintenance UF/IFAS suggests monthly balanced fertilizer or controlled-release fertilizer at planting, and pinching the top growth to encourage branching. It notes that deadheading is needed for large-flowered and double petunias, while many smaller-flowered cultivars are self-cleaning; check the flower form before adopting that practice.