Calibrachoa, also known as Million Bells, are popular flowering plants that can add vibrant colors to your garden or landscape. To keep your calibrachoa blooming throughout the season, there are a few key steps you can follow.
1. Self-Cleaning: One of the great things about calibrachoa is that they are self-cleaning, which means they shed their spent flowers naturally. This eliminates the need for deadheading, making maintenance easier for you.
2. Pinching Back: Occasionally, it’s beneficial to pinch back the tips of your calibrachoa plants. This helps to encourage branching, which in turn leads to more flowers. By pinching back the tips, you are stimulating the growth of lateral shoots, resulting in a bushier and more compact plant.
3. Rejuvenation Pruning: If your calibrachoa plants start to look leggy or stop blooming as profusely, you can perform a rejuvenation pruning. This involves cutting back the branches to about half their length, which will stimulate new growth and encourage more flowers. It’s best to do this mid-season when the plants have enough time to recover and produce new blooms.
4. Fertilization: To keep your calibrachoa plants blooming healthily, it’s important to fertilize them regularly. Choose a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer and follow the instructions on the packaging. Fertilizing every two to three weeks during the growing season will provide the necessary nutrients for continuous blooming.
5. Watering: Calibrachoa prefers moist but well-draining soil. Water your plants regularly, especially during hot and dry periods. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot and other issues. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
6. Sunlight: Calibrachoa thrives in full sun to partial shade. Ensure that your plants receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight each day for optimal growth and blooming. In areas with intense afternoon sun, some light shade in the hottest part of the day can prevent heat stress and prolong blooming.
7. Pest and Disease Control: Monitor your calibrachoa plants regularly for any signs of pests or diseases. Common issues include aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. If you spot any problems, take appropriate measures to control them, such as using insecticidal soap or organic pest control methods. Keeping your plants healthy and free from stress will help them bloom better.
8. Winter Care: In colder climates, calibrachoa is often grown as an annual or brought indoors during the winter. If you choose to overwinter your plants, ensure they are in a cool and well-lit area. Reduce watering and fertilization during this period, allowing the plants to rest and prepare for the next growing season.
Keeping your calibrachoa blooming involves self-cleaning, occasional pinching back, rejuvenation pruning, regular fertilization, proper watering, providing adequate sunlight, pest and disease control, and appropriate winter care. By following these guidelines and tending to your calibrachoa plants, you can enjoy a continuous display of beautiful flowers throughout the season.
