Hello there, plant enthusiast! We are Calibrachoa, often called "Million Bells" for the countless, petite, petunia-like blossoms we produce. If you're looking for a cascading waterfall of color for your hanging baskets, containers, or garden borders, you've come to the right place. Caring for us is quite straightforward once you understand our basic needs. Think of this as a guide from us, the plants, to you, our caretaker. Let's ensure we thrive together!
First and foremost, we are sun-worshippers. To produce our magnificent display of flowers, we need a tremendous amount of energy. Please place us in a location where we can bask in full sun, meaning at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The more sun we get, the more blooms we will reward you with. While we can tolerate a little light afternoon shade in very hot climates, too much shade will make us become leggy and significantly reduce our flowering. We also love well-draining soil. Soggy, waterlogged roots are our biggest enemy, so whether we're in a pot or the ground, ensure excess water can escape easily.
Watering is where many beginners get a little nervous, but it's simple once you get to know us. We dislike having constantly wet feet, but we also shouldn't be allowed to dry out completely and wilt. The goal is consistently moist, but not soggy, soil. A good rule of thumb is to stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time for a drink. During the peak heat of summer, you will likely need to water us once a day, sometimes even twice. When you water, do so thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes. This encourages our roots to grow deep and strong.
Producing millions of bells is hard work! We are considered "heavy feeders," which means we need a steady supply of nutrients to keep the floral show going all season long. A regular feeding schedule is crucial. We greatly prefer a water-soluble fertilizer formulated for flowering plants (one with a higher phosphorus number, like 15-30-15). Please feed us every one to two weeks throughout the growing season. This consistent fuel is the secret to our non-stop blooming performance from spring right up until the first frost.
While many modern varieties of us are "self-cleaning" (meaning our old flowers drop off on their own), we still appreciate a little grooming now and then. If you notice our flowering slow down in the middle of the summer, a gentle "haircut" can work wonders. Simply use clean scissors or shears to trim back about a third of our overall growth. Don't be afraid! This encourages us to branch out and produce a fresh, dense flush of blooms. Regularly removing any yellowing leaves or spent flower clusters also helps us direct energy into new growth and keeps us looking tidy.
Generally, we are trouble-free plants. However, our main issue stems from overwatering, which can lead to root rot. This is why well-draining soil is so vital. As for pests, keep an eye out for aphids, which are small, soft-bodied insects that sometimes cluster on our new growth. A strong spray of water from a hose is often enough to dislodge them. In greenhouses or very humid conditions, we might be susceptible to powdery mildew. Good air circulation around our leaves is the best prevention. If problems persist, there are organic insecticidal soaps and fungicides available.
