Petunia Hybrid Sophistica Blackberry

Petunia Hybrid Sophistica Blackberry Seeds

Petunia hybrid Sophistica Blackberry is an F1 hybrid from the Sophistica series by PanAmerican Seed, widely recognized as one of the darkest petunias achievable from seed. The blooms are large, velvety, and deeply saturated in near-black tones with rich burgundy and reddish-purple undertones that shift and shimmer depending on lighting conditions. The foliage is dark green, complementing the flower color and creating a cohesive, moody aesthetic throughout the plant.
Plants are upright and lush with a strong garden presence. The unusual, dramatic color creates immediate visual impact as a specimen plant in a single pot or as a dark anchor in mixed color arrangements. Like all Sophistica varieties, this series commands a higher retail value due to its designer color classification. Note: Daminozide should not be used as a growth regulator on this variety as it may alter the flower color expression.

Variety Details

• Hybrid type: F1 Hybrid Pelleted Seed
• Series: Sophistica (PanAmerican Seed)
• Color description: Near black with burgundy and reddish-purple undertones, velvety shimmering finish
• Petunia type: Grandiflora
• Designer collection: Premium, specialty color

Key Features

• Premium F1 hybrid from the Sophistica designer collection.
• Near-black velvety blooms with shimmering burgundy-red undertones.
• One of the darkest petunias achievable from seed.
• Strong specimen plant effect as a single container planting.
• Effective dark anchor color in mixed arrangements.
• Flowers successfully at 10-hour daylength (Gulf winter compatible).

Plant Information

• Height: 25–38 cm
• Spread: 25–36 cm
• Plant type: Annual
• Flowering: First year
• Sun: Full sun to light shade
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil
• Water: Moderate

Seed Germination

• Seed depth: Surface sow, do not cover
• Germination time: 7–14 days
• Ideal germination temperature: 22–24°C

Growing Tips

• Surface sow onto moist medium without covering.
• Maintain consistent moisture.
• Feed regularly with a balanced flowering fertilizer to maintain bloom quality and the depth of the dark color expression.
• Avoid Daminozide as it can interfere with the characteristic near-black color. Use Paclobutrazol or Flurprimidol as alternatives
• if growth regulation is needed.
• Deadhead spent flowers to maintain the clean dark display throughout the season.

Gulf Planting Season

• Best sowing time in the Gulf: September – November (indoor nursery)
• Transplanting: October – December
• Expected flowering: December – April

Garden Uses

• Specialty specimen containers
• Dark accent in mixed color planters
• Gothic and dramatic garden arrangements
• Borders and decorative bedding
• Feature pots and florist display