The calibrachoa, commonly known by names such as “petunia calibrachoa” or “million bells”, is one of the most appreciated plants for the garden, balconies and terraces due to its abundant and prolonged flowering, its beauty, and its easy care. It provides color for many months and is ideal in hanging baskets, planters, and combined with other plants.
What is Calibrachoa? Main characteristics
The calibrachoa is a botanical genus of small perennial plants, from the Solanaceae family, native to South America, especially Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and Peru. Its height does not usually exceed 30 cm, although it can spread widely due to its creeping, hanging habit.
It stands out for its small, oval, deep green leaves, which may be slightly sticky to the touch. Their stems are highly branched, giving them a dense and compact appearance.
The flowers They are the main attraction: they resemble small trumpets or bells, with a rich variety of colors that includes yellow, red, pink, blue, orange, magenta, violet and white, both in solid tones and bicolors or with veins. These colors remain vivid from the spring to late autumn, allowing you to enjoy a continuous flowering of up to nine monthsThere are varieties with single and double flowers, and some have contrasting colored centers.
Their low height and creeping stems make them perfect for hanging baskets, flower beds and plantersPlus, thanks to their heat resistance and rapid growth, they're ideal for filling empty spaces, creating floral cascades, and adding color where you need it most.
Differences between Calibrachoa and Petunia
They are often confused because of their resemblance, but calibrachoas and petunias presentan notable differences that you should know to choose the best option for your garden:
- Flower size: Calibrachoa produces smaller but more numerous flowers than petunia.
- Carrying and use: Calibrachoa is more compact and drooping, while petunia tends to be more erect or semi-drooping.
- Resistance: Calibrachoa tolerates intense heat better and is more resistant to pests and fungal diseases than petunia.
- GeneticsAlthough both belong to the subfamily Petunioideae, the petunia has 14 chromosomes and the calibrachoa 18.
- Self-cleaningMany calibrachoas are self-cleaning, meaning their wilted flowers fall off on their own, while petunias often require pinching.
Calibrachoa Care: A Complete Guide
Location, light and temperatures
- Sun light: Requires minimum 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for intense flowering. In very hot climates, some light shade may be appreciated during the hottest hours.
- Temperature: Prefers temperatures between 15 and 30 ° C and tolerates heat well. It doesn't tolerate frost well (only down to -2°C for short periods). In cold regions, it's best grown as an annual or protected indoors during the winter.
Substrate and transplant
- Drainage: It is vital that the substrate drains perfectly to avoid root rot.
- Composition:: It prefers light, airy substrates rich in organic matter. An ideal mix would be peat, perlite, and compost, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (between 5.5 and 6.5).
- Avoid compact, heavy soils that retain a lot of moisture.
Irrigation
- Calibrachoa needs constant humidity but never waterloggedWater when the surface of the substrate is dry, increasing the frequency in summer, especially in hanging baskets or windy areas.
- In dry climates, it may require daily watering, but always check the humidity first to avoid overwatering.
- Always water at the base of the plant, avoiding wetting leaves and flowers to prevent diseases.
Subscriber
- Because of his continuous flowering and rapid growth, needs regular fertilizer. Use a soluble fertilizer for flowering plants every 2 weeks during the growing season (spring to fall). Alternatively, you can use a slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the season and supplement with liquids.
- Excess fertilizer can damage roots and reduce flowering, so follow the recommended dosages.
Pruning and maintenance
- Removing wilted flowersMany calibrachoas do not require pinching, but removing dead flowers and stems helps maintain maximum blooms.
- Training and rejuvenation pruningTrim back long, straggly stems to encourage more compact growth and new flowers. Light pruning is recommended mid-season to revitalize the plant.
Main diseases of calibrachoa
Calibrachoa is quite resistant to pests and diseases. compared to other flowering plants, but there are certain problems to watch out for, especially when there is excess moisture:
- Fusarium: A fungus that causes wilting and root rot. It is favored by excess water and poor ventilation.
- Powdery mildew: Appearance of a white powder on leaves and stems.
- rhizoctonia, Phytophthora, Thielaviopsis y Pythium: Fungi that affect roots and stem bases in constantly moist substrates.
- Mildew: Whitish spot on the underside of leaves, especially due to lack of ventilation.
- Botrytis: Grey mould due to high humidity or continuous rain.
To prevent disease, be sure to keep the substrate well-drained, avoid wetting the foliage when watering, and provide good ventilation.
Common pests in calibrachoa
The most common pests include:
- Aphids (aphids): Green, yellow or black insects that suck sap from buds and flowers.
- Mites, especially the Red spider: Very common in dry and hot environments.
- White fly: Small white insects on the underside of leaves.
- Trips: They cause silver spots and deformations in leaves and flowers.
- Mealybugs: Cottony patches on stems and leaves.
- Leaf miners: Larvae that dig tunnels inside the leaves.
- Snails and slugs: Especially in flowerbeds and plantations at ground level, they cause damage to young leaves.
Prevention and control: Check the plant regularly. Remove affected leaves and nearby weeds. You can use potassium soap, neem oil, or other organic insecticides at the first signs of illness.
Calibrachoa species and cultivars
The genus Calibrachoa has more than 32 species native to South America., and multiple ornamental hybrids. Calibrachoa x hybrida is the most popular hybrid for gardening thanks to its vigor and flowering.
- Calibrachoa calcina
- Calibrachoa eglandulata
- Calibrachoa caesia
- Calibrachoa dusenii
- Calibrachoa linearis
- Calibrachoa ericaefolia
- Calibrachoa heterophylla
- Calibrachoa excellens
- Calibrachoa hassleriana
- Calibrachoa pygmaea
- Calibrachoa spathulata
- Calibrachoa sellowiana
- Calibrachoa rupestris
Modern cultivars They offer double flowers, bicolor blends, and improved resistance. Examples of popular hybrids include 'Superbells', 'Million Bells', and 'Cabaret', with spectacular color combinations and continuous blooms.
How to grow and propagate calibrachoa
Cultivation by seed
Sowing by seed requires some patience. After flowering, the plant produces small capsules containing mature (brown) seeds, which can be collected and stored.
- Sow seeds in spring in a warm tray or small pot with light, moist soil.
- Do not overcover the seeds, as they need some light to germinate.
- Maintain constant humidity until they germinate (you can cover the seedbed with transparent plastic to maintain humidity).
- When the seedlings have about 4 true leaves, transplant them to their final location.
Development from seed is slower and more variable, but it is very rewarding. Here you can learn more about hybrid Calibrachoa varieties..
Cultivation by cutting
La propagation by cuttings This is the preferred method due to its speed and reliability. Take a young, flowerless stem between 10 and 15 centimeters long, removing the lower leaves. Plant it in moist soil in a warm, bright location, protected from direct wind.
- Keep it humid without flooding and ensure it receives good natural light.
- It is advisable to carry out the process indoors or in a greenhouse, especially if the outside temperature is low.
- They take root in a few days and can be transplanted once they show active growth.
Ornamental and decorative uses of calibrachoa
Calibrachoa is one of the great resources in ornamental gardening thanks to its chromatic richness and versatility.:
- Hanging baskets and planters: Its hanging habit creates a floral cascade effect.
- Massifs and borders: perfect as a ground cover or to fill spaces in combination with other plants.
- Decoration of balconies and patios: Its resistance and prolonged flowering period make it a favorite for urban terraces.
- Temporary interior decoration: In well-lit and protected areas, it can be used indoors during the winter.
It is not used as an edible or medicinal plant, and its value is purely ornamentalIts intense flowering from late winter or early spring through autumn adds color to any garden style.
- Sparse flowering: This is usually due to a lack of light, excessive shade, or insufficient fertilizer. Provide as much sunlight as possible and fertilize regularly.
- Yellow sheets: a typical symptom of iron chlorosis due to high pH or iron deficiency. Apply iron chelates and use slightly acidic substrates.
- Rot and wilt: due to excess water and poor drainage. Adjust watering and improve soil drainage. Avoid placing water-filled saucers under pots.
- Persistent pestsAlternate between organic treatments and manually remove affected areas. Check regularly, especially in spring and summer.
The cultivation of calibrachoa, thanks to its resistance and beauty, has conquered gardens, balconies and terraces around the world. a suitable substrate, abundant light, moderate watering and regular fertilization, you will be able to enjoy each season a cascade of brightly colored flowers, practically uninterrupted. Its wide range of varieties and colors, along with its adaptability and low maintenance, make it a perfect choice for any gardening enthusiast, from beginners to experts.
