Are Calibrachoa hybrida perennial?
Calibrachoa, commonly called million bells or trailing petunia, is a tender perennial which produces flowers that look like small petunias. These are compact, mounded plants which grow 3-9” tall on mostly trailing stems. Calibrachoa, also known as ‘Million Bells’ and ‘Superbells’, is a popular outdoor container plant. Although it is a short-lived perennial in warm climates, calibrachoa is grown as an annual almost everywhere.Use Miracle-Gro product Miracid on your Calibrachoa (Million Bells) and Petunias. The higher acid and iron in it is perfect for these popular annuals.
How long does Calibrachoa last?
If plants are properly cared for, they will last from planting until frost. To keep petunia/calibrachoa flower baskets looking their best, make sure they receive full sunlight, regular water, fertilizer and pruning. Calibrachoa is a popular garden annual that blooms continuously from planting until frost and is ideal for containers, hanging baskets, or raised beds. These petunia look-alikes offer a wide range of flower colors and patterns that look great by themselves, or when combined with other plants.Overwintering: Calibrachoa is typically grown as an annual, but in USDA hardiness zones 9-11, it can be treated as a perennial. In colder regions, you can bring container-grown plants indoors and place them in a bright, cool location (around 50-60°F) for the winter.
Can Calibrachoa survive winter?
Calibrachoa can be overwintered in a garage or other sheltered location. With heavy pruning, repotting and fertilizing they may look good for a second year. Pest and Disease: Aphids and petunia bud worm are the most common insect issues. Does Calibrachoa Come Back Every Year? Calibrachoa is grown as annuals in most USDA Hardiness Zones, but can be grown as perennials in zones 9-11.It will take a couple of months for Calibrachoa cuttings to become viable plants, so plan accordingly. In zones 9 through 11, where the plant grows as a perennial, take cuttings early in the growing season so the rooted plant can acclimate before winter.Calibrachoa prefers full sun to partial shade, with a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight daily. While it can tolerate some shade, too much shade can result in fewer blooms and leggy growth. For optimal flowering and healthy growth, plant Calibrachoa in an area with plenty of bright, direct sunlight.
Can I keep Calibrachoa over winter?
Calibrachoa is hardy in zones 9 to 11. They can be left outdoors over the winter in these warm climates. In colder climates, dig up the plants and bring them indoors or take cuttings to create new plants inside your home. These sun-loving plants will need supplemental light when grown indoors. Calibrachoa grows best in moist, but not water-logged soil. Water when the top inch or two of soil has dried out. Calibrachoa is often planted in containers and hanging baskets, which can dry out more quickly than garden soil. Check containers often for water needs and water when the soil feels dry.With germination very easy, Calibrachoa is the perfect choice for a beginner gardener; the time between sowing and blooming spans as little as four months! Fill an 8cm pot or half-size seed tray with compost, and smooth out the top with a flat-edged wooden block.