Petunias exude a natural sticky substance from their stems that spreads to flowers. Botanists believe it's a defense mechanism to trap sap-sucking insects like aphids and thrips, to which petunias are prone.
Some gardeners find the stickiness unpleasant; breeders are developing less-sticky hybrids. However, if it's an insect defense, reducing it might increase pest problems. The stickiness is harmless to the plant and humans—just wash hands after handling.
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