Ok, so I'm not exactly born with a green thumb, but I try, every now and then. And this year we have the pickiest petunias ever in the boxes hanging from the balcony. They were so fragile when I depotted them that I could barely touch them without stalks coming off, and now there's barely a stalk on each plant that seems to be securely attached. They're mostly lying around looking limp and wan and broken. We have had a strong cold wind recently, but this is a bit ridiculous.

But I've been taking the loose stalks, cleaning off the lower leaves and sticking them in a glass of water inside, and hoo boy, do they like that! I have one "bouquet" that's been standing for almost two weeks and is vigorously and happily blooming, and another one from a couple of days ago that is definitely recovering. They'll be putting down roots if this goes on, and staying for the winter I feel like I've found the ultimate cut flower.

Any ideas on why these petunias are so picky outdoors, but so very hardy indoors? I'm sure we've had these before without any trouble, "Million Bells", they're called, and very common.