Absolutely. While renowned for their spectacular performance in hanging baskets and containers, Calibrachoa (also known as Million Bells) are perfectly suited for planting directly in garden beds. From a botanical perspective, they are tender perennials (often grown as annuals) with a low, trailing habit that allows them to form a vibrant, colorful ground cover. Their natural growth pattern is to spread and cascade, which makes them excellent for filling in the front of borders, spilling over the edges of raised beds, or covering sunny slopes.
This is the single most important factor for Calibrachoa's success in a bed. Their root systems are fine and fibrous, and they are highly susceptible to root rot and fungal diseases in heavy, waterlogged soil. The ideal soil is a loose, fertile, and well-amended loam. To prepare a garden bed for Calibrachoa, it is highly recommended to incorporate a significant amount of organic matter. Work several inches of compost, well-rotted manure, or a coarse potting mix into the top 6-8 inches of native soil. For areas with particularly dense clay soil, creating a raised mound or a fully raised bed is an excellent strategy to ensure the superior drainage these plants demand.
Calibrachoa are sun-loving plants that perform best with a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Full sun exposure promotes the most abundant flowering and prevents the plants from becoming leggy as they stretch for light. In terms of temperature, they thrive in the warmth. They should only be planted outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. They will continue to bloom profusely through the heat of summer but may slow down during extreme heat waves. As photoperiodic plants, their flowering is triggered by long days, making them a powerhouse of color from spring until the first frost.
When planting, space Calibrachoa plants approximately 10 to 12 inches apart from the center of one plant to the next. This spacing allows for adequate air circulation between the plants, which is crucial for preventing foliar diseases like powdery mildew. It also gives each plant enough room to spread and form a continuous mat of foliage and flowers without becoming overly crowded. Gently tease the roots if they are pot-bound before placing them in the ground, and plant them at the same depth they were in their nursery container. A layer of light mulch can be applied to help retain moisture and suppress weeds, but be careful to keep it away from the plant's crown to avoid stem rot.
To support their non-stop blooming habit, Calibrachoa are considered heavy feeders. While rich soil at planting provides a good start, they benefit greatly from consistent fertilization throughout the growing season. Applying a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks or using a slow-release fertilizer mixed into the soil at planting time will provide the necessary nutrients. Consistent moisture is key, but always allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. The goal is to keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy, as overwatering is a primary cause of failure.
