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Growing Calibrachoa: A Complete Guide to Million Bells

Calibrachoa, popularly known as "Million Bells," is a vibrant, low-maintenance flowering plant beloved for its abundance of small, petunia-like blooms. It’s perfect for hanging baskets, window boxes, containers, and even ground cover. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to grow healthy, thriving Calibrachoa all season long.

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What is Calibrachoa?

Calibrachoa is a genus of flowering plants in the Solanaceae family, native to South America. Its trailing habit and prolific flowering make it a favorite among gardeners. Unlike petunias, Calibrachoa blooms are smaller, but they appear in clusters, covering the plant in color from spring until frost.

 

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Ideal Growing Conditions

To get the best out of your Calibrachoa, it’s important to mimic its native habitat as much as possible.

• Sunlight: Full sun is crucial. Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

• Temperature: Calibrachoa prefers mild, warm temperatures. It does not tolerate frost.

• Soil: Well-draining soil is a must. Use a high-quality potting mix with added perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage.

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Planting Calibrachoa

You can plant Calibrachoa from nursery seedlings or grow them from cuttings. Here’s how:

1. Choose the right container: Ensure it has drainage holes.

2. Fill with potting mix: A lightweight mix with good aeration helps prevent root rot.

3. Plant spacing: Space plants about 8–12 inches apart if in garden beds; in containers, group them for fullness.

4. Water thoroughly after planting.

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Watering and Fertilizing

Despite their love of sun, Calibrachoa can be sensitive to overwatering.

• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.

• Fertilizing: Feed every 1–2 weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. These heavy bloomers need regular feeding to maintain energy. Here in Florida with the high humidity and heavy rainfall, I sometimes will fertilize more frequently than recommended.

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Pruning and Maintenance

Unlike many flowers, Calibrachoa doesn’t require deadheading, as it self-cleans its blooms. However, occasional trimming helps.

• Pinch back stems to encourage bushier growth.

• Cut back leggy growth mid-season to rejuvenate the plant.

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Common Problems and Solutions

Though generally hardy, Calibrachoa can face a few issues:

• Yellowing Leaves: Often due to poor drainage or overwatering.

• Powdery Mildew: Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering.

• Root Rot: Always use containers with drainage and avoid waterlogged soil.

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Overwintering Tips

In colder climates, Calibrachoa is grown as an annual. However, you can overwinter it indoors:

• Take cuttings in late summer and root them indoors.

• Keep in a sunny window or under grow lights.

• Water sparingly and avoid fertilizing until spring.

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Design Ideas with Calibrachoa

Calibrachoa’s cascading form and wide range of colors make it versatile in garden design:

• Hanging Baskets: Combine with trailing lobelia or ivy.

• Container Gardens: Pair with upright plants like salvia or ornamental grass.

• Ground Cover: Use in borders or rock gardens for a pop of color.

Calibrachoa is a joy to grow—easygoing, colorful, and endlessly cheerful. With the right care, it will reward you with nonstop blooms from spring through fall. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned gardener, Million Bells are sure to become a staple in your outdoor (or indoor) display.

Happy Gardening!