Calibrachoa, also known as million bells, is a popular flowering plant that is easy to grow from seed. With its bright, cheerful blooms, calibrachoa is a great choice for adding color to your garden or patio. This article will provide you with all the information you need to know about growing calibrachoa from seed, including how to choose seeds, when to sow them, and how to care for your seedlings.
Choosing Seeds
When choosing seeds for calibrachoa, it is important to consider the following factors:
Color: Calibrachoa comes in a wide variety of colors, including red, pink, orange, purple, and white. Choose a color that will complement the other plants in your garden or patio.
Size: Calibrachoa plants can range in size from small to large. Choose a size that will be appropriate for your space.
Hardiness: Calibrachoa is a relatively hardy plant, but it is important to choose a variety that is suitable for your climate.
When to Sow Seeds
The best time to sow calibrachoa seeds is in early spring, after the last frost. However, you can also sow seeds indoors in late winter or early spring.
How to Sow Seeds
To sow calibrachoa seeds, you will need:
A seed tray or small pots
Seed starting mix
Water
A spray bottle
1. Fill the seed tray or pots with seed starting mix.
2. Press the seeds lightly into the soil.
3. Mist the seeds with water.
4. Cover the seed tray or pots with plastic wrap or a clear lid.
5. Place the seed tray or pots in a warm, sunny spot.
The seeds will germinate in 7-10 days. Once the seedlings have sprouted, you can remove the plastic wrap or lid.
Caring for Seedlings
Once your seedlings have sprouted, you will need to provide them with the following care:
Water regularly, but do not overwater.
Fertilize with a water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks.
Provide plenty of sunlight.
Pinch back the seedlings to encourage bushy growth.
Transplanting Seedlings
Once the seedlings are about 6 inches tall, you can transplant them into the garden or a larger pot. When transplanting, be sure to dig a hole that is deep enough to accommodate the roots. Water the seedlings well after transplanting.
Harvesting Flowers
Calibrachoa flowers will begin to bloom about 8 weeks after sowing seeds. You can harvest the flowers by cutting them off the stem. The flowers can be used in fresh bouquets or dried for later use.
Step
Instructions
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1
Start by gathering your supplies. You will need:
2
Prepare your seed starting mix. You can either buy a commercial seed starting mix or make your own. To make your own, combine equal parts of potting soil, perlite, and vermiculite.
3
Fill your seed starting trays with the seed starting mix. Press the soil down lightly so that it is firm.
4
Sprinkle the calibrachoa seeds over the surface of the seed starting mix. Do not cover the seeds with soil.
5
Mist the seeds with water using a spray bottle.
6
Place the seed starting trays in a warm, sunny location. The ideal temperature for germination is 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit.
7
Keep the soil moist but not wet. You may need to mist the seeds several times a day, especially if the weather is dry.
8
The seeds will germinate in 7-10 days. Once the seedlings have emerged, thin them out so that they are 2 inches apart.
9
Continue to water the seedlings regularly and provide them with plenty of sunlight.
How To Grow Calibrachoa From Seed?
Calibrachoas are beautiful, low-maintenance annuals that are perfect for adding a splash of color to your garden. They come in a wide variety of colors and shapes, and they are easy to grow from seed.
Choosing the Right Seeds
When choosing calibrachoa seeds, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
First, consider the color of the flowers. Calibrachoas come in a wide variety of colors, including red, pink, orange, purple, white, and yellow. Choose a color that will complement the other plants in your garden.
Second, consider the size of the flowers. Calibrachoas range in size from small, compact plants to large, sprawling plants. Choose a size that will work well in your garden.
Third, consider the hardiness zone. Calibrachoas are hardy in zones 9-11. If you live in a colder climate, you will need to grow them indoors or in a greenhouse.
When to Plant Calibrachoa Seeds
The best time to plant calibrachoa seeds is in early spring, after the last frost. You can also start them indoors a few weeks before the last frost.
Where to Plant Calibrachoa Seeds
Calibrachoas prefer full sun, but they can tolerate partial shade. They will do best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
Preparing the Soil
Before planting calibrachoa seeds, you will need to prepare the soil.
First, remove any weeds or debris from the area.
Second, loosen the soil to a depth of about 6 inches.
Third, add a layer of compost or organic matter to the soil.
Watering the Soil
Calibrachoas need regular watering, especially when they are young. Water them deeply once or twice a week, making sure to soak the soil all the way down to the roots.
Fertilizing Calibrachoas
Calibrachoas do not need a lot of fertilizer, but they will benefit from a light application of fertilizer once or twice a month. Use a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus and potassium, and low in nitrogen.
Pests and Diseases
Calibrachoas are generally resistant to pests and diseases, but they can be susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, and powdery mildew. If you notice any pests or diseases, treat them with an appropriate insecticide or fungicide.
Harvesting Calibrachoas
Calibrachoas are ready to harvest when the flowers are fully open. To harvest them, simply cut the stem just below the flower. You can use the flowers fresh in salads or bouquets, or you can dry them for later use.
Growing calibrachoas from seed is a simple and rewarding process. With a little care, you can enjoy these beautiful flowers all summer long.
Additional Tips
Calibrachoas can be grown in containers or in the ground. If you are growing them in containers, make sure the pot is at least 12 inches deep and has drainage holes.
Calibrachoas are drought tolerant, but they will produce more flowers if they are watered regularly.
Calibrachoas can be propagated by cuttings. To take a cutting, simply cut a stem about 4 inches long and remove the bottom leaves. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot of moist potting soil. Keep the soil moist and the cutting will root in about 4-6 weeks.
Calibrachoas are susceptible to frost damage, so if you live in a cold climate, you will need to bring them indoors or in a greenhouse for the winter.
3. Germination and Transplanting
How to germinate calibrachoa seeds
Calibrachoa seeds are very small, so it’s important to start them in a sterile potting mix. You can use a seed starting mix or a potting mix that has been amended with perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage.
To germinate calibrachoa seeds, fill a seed starting tray with potting mix and press the seeds lightly into the surface of the soil. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of potting mix and mist with water. Place the seed starting tray in a warm location (70-75 degrees Fahrenheit) and keep the soil moist.
The seeds will germinate in 7-10 days. Once the seedlings have emerged, thin them out so that they are 1-2 inches apart. Continue to water the seedlings regularly and provide them with bright light.
How to transplant calibrachoa seedlings
Once the seedlings have developed two sets of true leaves, they are ready to be transplanted into individual pots. Fill each pot with potting mix and carefully remove the seedling from the seed starting tray. Gently loosen the roots and place the seedling in the pot. Cover the roots with potting mix and firm it down around the seedling. Water the seedling well and place it in a warm location (70-75 degrees Fahrenheit).
The seedlings will need to be hardened off before they can be planted outdoors. To do this, gradually expose them to outdoor conditions for longer periods of time. Start by placing them in a sheltered spot for a few hours each day. Gradually increase the amount of time they spend outdoors until they can be left out all day.
How to care for young calibrachoa plants
Young calibrachoa plants need to be watered regularly, but they should not be allowed to sit in waterlogged soil. Water the plants when the top inch of soil is dry.
Calibrachoa plants need bright light to flower well. They can be grown in full sun or partial shade, but they will produce more flowers in full sun.
Calibrachoa plants are not heavy feeders, but they will benefit from a monthly application of a balanced fertilizer.
Young calibrachoa plants are susceptible to pests and diseases. To protect them, you can spray them with a neem oil or insecticidal soap solution. You can also prevent diseases by watering the plants at the base and avoiding overhead watering.
4. Caring for Adult Calibrachoas
How to water adult calibrachoas
Adult calibrachoas need to be watered regularly, but they should not be allowed to sit in waterlogged soil. Water the plants when the top inch of soil is dry.
How to fertilize adult calibrachoas
Calibrachoa plants are not heavy feeders, but they will benefit from a monthly application of a balanced fertilizer. You can use a water-soluble fertilizer or a slow-release fertilizer.
How to prune adult calibrachoas
Calibrachoa plants can be pruned to maintain a desired shape or to control their size. You can prune the plants back by 1/3 after they have finished flowering.
How to protect adult calibrachoas from pests and diseases
Adult calibrachoas are susceptible to pests and diseases. To protect them, you can spray them with a neem oil or insecticidal soap solution. You can also prevent diseases by watering the plants at the base and avoiding overhead watering.
Calibrachoas are easy-to-grow plants that can add a splash of color to your garden. By following these tips, you can grow healthy and beautiful calibrachoas.
How to Grow Calibrachoa From Seed?
Q: When is the best time to start calibrachoa seeds?
A: The best time to start calibrachoa seeds is in early spring, about 8 weeks before the last frost date.
Q: How do I start calibrachoa seeds indoors?
A: To start calibrachoa seeds indoors, you will need:
A seed starting kit or a 12-inch pot filled with seed starting mix
Calibrachoa seeds
A spray bottle
A sunny spot
To start the seeds, follow these steps:
1. Fill the seed starting kit or pot with seed starting mix.
2. Sow the seeds on the surface of the soil, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
3. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil.
4. Mist the seeds with water.
5. Place the seed starting kit or pot in a sunny spot.
6. Keep the soil moist but not wet.
The seeds will germinate in about 2-4 weeks. Once the seedlings have 2-3 sets of true leaves, you can transplant them into individual pots or into the garden.
Q: How do I transplant calibrachoa seedlings?
A: To transplant calibrachoa seedlings, you will need:
A trowel
A seedling pot or garden bed
A watering can
To transplant the seedlings, follow these steps:
1. Water the seedling pot or garden bed well.
2. Gently loosen the soil around the seedlings.
3. Use a trowel to carefully lift the seedlings out of the pot or garden bed.
4. Space the seedlings about 12 inches apart.
5. Water the seedlings well.
The seedlings will need about 1 inch of water per week. Fertilize them monthly with a water-soluble fertilizer.
Q: How do I care for calibrachoa plants?
A: Calibrachoa plants are relatively easy to care for. They need full sun, well-drained soil, and regular water. To care for calibrachoa plants, follow these tips:
Water the plants deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather.
Fertilize the plants monthly with a water-soluble fertilizer.
Deadhead the flowers regularly to encourage new blooms.
Prune the plants back in late winter or early spring to keep them bushy.
Calibrachoa plants are susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including aphids, powdery mildew, and botrytis. To prevent pests and diseases, follow these tips:
Water the plants at the base of the stem to avoid getting the leaves wet.
Inspect the plants regularly for signs of pests or diseases.
Treat pests and diseases with an organic insecticide or fungicide as needed.
Q: How long do calibrachoa plants last?
A: Calibrachoa plants typically last for one year. However, they can be overwintered indoors in a cool, bright location.
Q: How do I overwinter calibrachoa plants?
To overwinter calibrachoa plants, you will need:
A pot or container that is slightly larger than the root ball of the plant
A well-drained potting mix
A sunny spot
To overwinter the plants, follow these steps:
1. In late fall, when the weather starts to cool down, bring the plants indoors.
2. Repot the plants in a pot or container that is slightly larger than the root ball.
3. Use a well-drained potting mix.
4. Place the plants in a sunny spot.
5. Water the plants regularly, but do not overwater them.
The plants will need about 1 inch of water per week. Fertilize them monthly with a water-soluble fertilizer.
In the spring, when the weather warms up, you can transplant the plants outdoors.
growing calibrachoa from seed is a relatively simple process that can be enjoyed by gardeners of all skill levels. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can be sure to produce healthy, vibrant plants that will add beauty to your garden for years to come.
Here are some key takeaways to remember:
Calibrachoa seeds are very small, so it is important to handle them with care.
Sow seeds in a well-draining soil mix and keep the soil moist until seedlings emerge.
Transplant seedlings into individual pots once they have developed two sets of true leaves.
Calibrachoa plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
Fertilize plants regularly with a balanced fertilizer.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming.
With a little care, you can easily grow beautiful calibrachoa plants from seed. These cheerful flowers will add a splash of color to your garden all summer long.
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