From our perspective as Calibrachoa plants, we are eager to produce a spectacular cascade of blooms all season long. It is our purpose and our joy. To unlock this potential, you must understand our fundamental needs. When these are met, we respond with an enthusiastic and continuous display of color.
We are sun-worshippers at our core. For us, blooming is a process powered by photosynthesis, which is fueled by sunlight. To produce the immense energy required for constant flowering, we need a minimum of six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. Full sun exposure (8+ hours) is ideal. In insufficient light, our stems become leggy as we stretch searching for the sun, and our energy reserves are diverted away from flower production. The more light you give us, the more sugar we can produce, and the more blooms we can support.
While a balanced fertilizer is good for initial growth, to trigger and sustain our blooming cycle, we require a specific nutrient profile. Look for a fertilizer where the middle number (phosphorus) is higher, such as a 10-15-10 formula. Phosphorus is the nutrient that directly supports the development of strong roots, seeds, and most importantly for you, flowers. A water-soluble fertilizer applied every one to two weeks, or a continuous-release fertilizer mixed into our soil at planting, provides a steady stream of this essential nutrient. This constant feeding replaces the energy we expend blooming and allows us to keep producing more.
Our biological imperative is to reproduce by setting seed. Once a flower is pollinated and begins to form a seed pod, our energy is redirected to that task, signaling us to stop producing new flowers. By consistently removing spent blooms (deadheading), you prevent this process. You trick us into believing we have not yet successfully reproduced, so we respond by creating more and more flowers in an attempt to achieve our goal. While many modern hybrids are "self-cleaning," gently pinching or trimming back straggly stems encourages bushier growth and even more floral sites.
Our roots are delicate and require a careful balance of moisture. We dislike having "wet feet." Consistently waterlogged soil leads to root rot, which damages our ability to uptake water and nutrients, causing us to drop buds, wilt, and eventually perish. Plant us in a well-draining potting mix and ensure our containers have drainage holes. Water us deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, allowing excess water to flow freely from the bottom. Consistent moisture without sogginess keeps our systems functioning perfectly for top bloom production.
We thrive in moderate temperatures. While we love the sun, extreme heat can cause us significant stress. When temperatures consistently soar above 85°F (29°C), we may slow down our flowering to conserve energy and water—a process called heat dormancy. During these periods, providing afternoon shade can offer relief and help us continue blooming. Conversely, cooler temperatures below 55°F (13°C) also slow our metabolic processes and hinder flower development. Protecting us from these extremes ensures we can dedicate our energy to blooming.
