So here is a picture. Not the best. I will water it in the morning. and try to have another picture

I use the 511 mix for all annuals in whatever container. I usually get plug trays and loosen each plug to spread the roots around. I do not bare root them. But I guess you bought a much bigger container with several plants. I would have teased out say half the soil from bottom and sides and use the 511 mix.

I'm wondering if I can overwinter them in my area because I looked it up and these are tender perennials. If so I know I'm going to regret using this soil. I knew I should've used 511. I have an eastern facing sunroom so I may try and see if they will live.

I think petunias are true annuals and if so you are better off starting with seeds or seedlings every spring. I do have some hanging baskets of geraniums planted in 511 and they do well over the winter in the house. They also flower all year long. The 511 mix needs to be changed every other year. I use the old mix in garden beds. If you are starting seeds or using cuttings you can do that in the 511 mix. I cover the top with a thin layer of ground coconut husk (the kind used for starting seeds) to hold in the moisture while germinating. That way I can just pot them up directly in 511 mix without a problem.

We have a couple of gardenias in containers outside all year. The previous owners of our house left them. I would like to propagate those. I also need to put those in a 511 mix as well.

Gardenias are fairly easy to propagate from cuttings and they will do well in 511 mix. They like acidic soil so use gypsum instead of lime and use epsom salts for Mg source. If your fertilizer already has Ca and Mg then you skip gypusm and epsom.

I use FP to fertilize. I repotted the first Gardenia and the soil was awful. I can't believe the poor thing survived. Black soil and Clay. I decided to take pics of the second Gardenia. It was so heavy I had to use a hand truck.

I did a major overhaul on both pots. The two black pots are from this one little guy. Hopefully, It will survive.

your mix looks wonderful. learn the weight of the pot, before and after watering, to get a feel for how well it works. then pick it up again about ten minutes later (after watering) and note the difference. you will be amazed at how well the water went thru.

Your gardenia in the original pot looks like it was grown in the ground and then potted. Your new mix looks great. Keep the plant in shade for a while.

I looked at the plants last night and they already had new growth. Pretty cool.

'my roots, I can breathe …'

Just wanted to post an update a month later