Calibrachoa is a flowering plant in the Solanaceae family, which also includes tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers. The plant is native to South America and grows well in warm climates.
Calibrachoa plants can be either annual or perennial, depending on the species. The plants produce small, trumpet-shaped flowers in a variety of colors, including blue, purple, pink, and white.
The flowers are typically borne in clusters of two or three and bloom from early summer to fall. While calibrachoa does not produce fruits, it is a popular ornamental plant for gardens and hanging baskets.
Essentials
Soil composition and ph levels for calibrachoa
calibrachoa prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. The ideal soil composition for calibrachoa is:
🌱 60% sand
🌱 20% silt
🌱 20% clay
Calibrachoa is also tolerant of poor soils, but the drainage must be good. Soils that are too rich in organic matter or have a high pH can result in lush foliage but few flowers.
If the soil is too sandy, it will need to be amended with organic matter to help hold moisture. Soils that are too clayey will need to be amended with sand to improve drainage.
Calibrachoa is not tolerant of salt and will not grow well in soils with high salt content.
Watering calibrachoa
Watering calibrachoa can be tricky. These plants are native to South America, so they’re used to hot, dry conditions. However, they’re also very sensitive to overwatering.
As a result, it’s important to water calibrachoa carefully and only when the soil is dry. Here are a few tips to help you water your calibrachoa:
🌱 Water in the morning or evening, when the sun is not at its strongest.
🌱 Water slowly and deeply, letting the water soak into the soil.
🌱 Avoid wetting the leaves of the plant, as this can cause rot.
🌱 Check the soil regularly to see if it needs watering. Do not water if the soil is still moist.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your calibrachoa gets the water it needs without being overwatered.
Are there flowers in calibrachoa?
calibrachoa plants produce flowers that are typically bright pink, purple, or red in color. The flowers are borne on stems that grow from the leaf axils, and each flower has five petals.
The calyx is green and has five lobes. The corolla is tube-shaped and has five lobes. The stamens are located in the center of the flower, and the pistil is located at the base of the flower.
Calibrachoa plants typically bloom from late spring to early summer.
Does calibrachoa produce fruits?
No, calibrachoa does not produce fruits.
Propagation of calibrachoa
Propagation of calibrachoa can be done through stem cuttings, taken from new growth in spring or summer. The cutting should include 3-4 leaves, and the bottom leaves should be removed.
The cutting should then be placed in moist perlite or vermiculite, and covered with plastic to create a humid environment. Propagation success is greatest when the cutting is taken from young, healthy plants.
Once roots have developed and the plant is established, it can be transplanted to a pot or garden bed. With proper care, calibrachoa will flower profusely from spring to fall.
Deadheading spent blooms will encourage continuous blooming.
Calibrachoa are not winter hardy, and should be brought indoors or treated as annuals in cold climates.
Pests and diseases in calibrachoa
Pests and diseases can be a problem for calibrachoa. Pests include aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. Diseases include powdery mildew and downy mildew.
Pest control can be difficult, and Resistant varieties are the best defense against disease. Pest and disease problems can be minimized by proper cultural practices, such as avoiding overhead watering, which encourages fungal growth.
Good air circulation is also important. Pest problems can also be reduced by using an insecticide soap or neem oil. Be sure to follow the label directions carefully.
Disease problems can be controlled with fungicides, but again, be sure to follow the label directions carefully.
Irritation to pets from calibrachoa
Irritation to pets from calibrachoa:
🌱 Irritation to pets may occur if they ingest the plant.
🌱 Clinical signs may include drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. Pets may also experience pawing at the mouth and face, and excessive licking.
🌱 If your pet ingests calibrachoa, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Varieties of calibrachoa
Varieties of calibrachoa include: ‘Can-Can Scarlet’, ‘Can-Can Pink’, ‘Can-Can Lavender’, ‘Trailing Yellow’, ‘Trailing Blue’, and ‘Trailing Crimson’. They are all annuals, meaning they live for one growing season and then die.
Calibrachoa is native to South America, specifically Peru and Chile. The plants typically bloom from early summer to frost and prefer full sun to partial shade.
They are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, making them ideal for gardens in warm climates.
Growing calibrachoa in containers and pots
Growing calibrachoa in containers and pots is easy and rewarding. Here are some tips:
🟢 Choose a pot that is at least 12 inches wide and has drainage holes.
🟢 Fill the pot with a well-draining potting mix.
🟢 Water the plant regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between watering.
🟢 Fertilize the plant every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
🟢 Place the pot in a location that receives full sun.
With proper care, calibrachoa will bloom continuously from spring to fall. These colorful annuals make wonderful additions to patio containers and hanging baskets.
Caring for calibrachoa
1. Caring for calibrachoa begins with planting seeds. Plant the seeds in well-draining soil and water them regularly.
2. Once the seedlings have sprouted, thin them out so that they are about 6 inches apart. Fertilize the seedlings every week.
3. When the calibrachoa is about 6 inches tall, begin to pinch back the tips of the plants. This will encourage them to grow fuller and bushier.
4. Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids and spider mites. If you see any, treat them with an insecticide immediately.
5. Deadhead the calibrachoa regularly to encourage more blooms. And finally, water the plants deeply but less frequently to prevent root rot.
Companion plants for calibrachoa
Companion plants for calibrachoa include impatiens, gazania, lobelia, and petunia.
Companion planting is a method of gardening in which different plants are grown together for the benefit of one or more of the plants.
Companion plants can provide support for each other, improve soil quality, discourage pests and diseases, and increase yield.
When selecting companion plants for calibrachoa, it is important to consider the needs of the plant. Calibrachoa prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
They are also relatively drought tolerant and do not require a lot of fertilizer.
Companion plants that have similar needs will help to create a healthy growing environment for calibrachoa.
Planting and spacing for Calibrachoa
Planting and spacing for calibrachoa:
🟢 Plant calibrachoa in an area that receives full sun.
🟢 Space plants 12 to 15 inches apart.
🟢 Plant calibrachoa in well-draining soil.
🟢 Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
🟢 Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
Best planting time for calibrachoa
According to the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, the best planting time for calibrachoa is from March to May. This is because the plant requires full sun and well-drained soil in order to thrive.
If you live in an area with a hot climate, it is best to plant calibrachoa in an area that receives afternoon shade. This will help to protect the plant from heat stress.
When choosing a location for your calibrachoa, be sure to select an area that has good drainage. The plant will not tolerate sitting in wet soil.
Benefits of calibrachoa
Calibrachoa is a genus of plants within the Solanaceae family. This flowering plant is also known by its common names, million bells or trailing petunia.
There are approximately 30 species of calibrachoa, all of which are native to South America. The calibrachoa plant is a popular choice for gardens and hanging baskets due to its trailing habit and brightly coloured flowers.
Benefits of calibrachoa include:
🟢 Attracting pollinators such as bees, butterflies and hummingbirds to the garden
🟢 Providing colour throughout the growing season
🟢 Low maintenance requirements
Calibrachoa are annuals that will typically bloom from spring until the first frost in autumn. They are heat tolerant and can even tolerate light frosts, making them ideal for gardens in warmer climates.
When planting calibrachoa, it is best to start with seedlings rather than trying to grow from seed. This species can be propagated via stem cuttings, but this can be a tricky process for beginners.
Once established, calibrachoa is relatively low-maintenance plants that will thrive with regular watering and occasional fertilization.
How long to grow calibrachoa?
How long to grow calibrachoa? Calibrachoa plants are annuals, meaning they complete their life cycle within one growing season. They are typically started from seed in late winter or early spring, and they will bloom from late spring through fall.
Given these parameters, you can expect your calibrachoa plants to last for approximately 8-10 months. However, keep in mind that individual plants may vary depending on the growing conditions and care they receive.
Some calibrachoa plants may even last for two years or more.
Do calibrachoa come back every year?
Calibrachoa, also known as million bells, are annual plants that bloom reliably throughout the summer. They are related to petunias and have a similar growth habit, with small, tubular flowers in a variety of colors.
Calibrachoas are native to South America and were introduced to Europe in the 19th century. The plants became popular in gardens and greenhouses and were eventually brought to the United States.
Today, calibrachoa are commonly grown as annual bedding plants. They are easy to care for and will bloom continuously from spring until fall. However, they will not overwinter in most climates and will need to be replanted each year.
| Calibrachoa | |
| Water | Water when the top few inches of soil feel dry, may need daily watering during dry weather. |
| Soil ph | 5.0-6.5 |
| Sunlight hours | The plant needs around 6 hoursof sunlight a day to bloom fully. It also tolerates partial shade. |
| Pests and Diseases | Tomato chlorotic dwarf viroid, mottled leaf, powdery mildew and black root rot may post problems. |
| Temperature | Prefers temperature between 55 and 6 deg F. It can also tolerate a mild frost. |
| Soil composition | The plant prefers moist, but well-drained organically rich soil in full sun. It does not tolerate high pH soils. |
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