How should million bells (Calibrachoa) be cared for in winter to survive the cold safely?
Million bells (Calibrachoa) is a type of morning glory, and comes in many colors, such as red, white, pink, etc. So how does million bells overwinter?
1. Growth habits of million bells
Million bells is a perennial herb of the Solanaceae family and the genus Calibrachoa (Petunia), often grown as an annual or biennial, with a flowering period lasting several months.
In most parts of the country, million bells can be grown outdoors in summer. It is a plant that loves sun, is relatively fond of water and fertilizer, and is not cold-tolerant.
Million bells has abundant flowers and a natural plant shape, with creeping, semi-trailing characteristics. It can be planted in hanging baskets, balcony flower boxes, etc. to beautify the home courtyard. It can also be used in combination planters, and can be combined with verbena (Verbena), Bacopa, and marguerite daisy (Argyranthemum frutescens), and is also very spectacular when planted in flower beds.
2. How does million bells overwinter?
In the early part of winter, million bells can be pruned by cutting off weak and thin branches, keeping the strong branches, with the whole plant height at about 15cm. Although million bells is relatively cold-tolerant, when conditions allow it is still better to keep it indoors when the winter temperature is too low.
3. Pest and disease control of million bells
The common pests and diseases of million bells are:
1. Leaf spot
Try to avoid bruising the leaves and pay attention to preventing wind damage, sunscald and freeze damage. Remove diseased leaves promptly and burn them, and be careful to clear away fallen leaves. When affected, spray 50% amobam 1000x solution.
2. White mold
After the disease occurs, remove diseased leaves promptly, and in the early stage of the disease spray 75% chlorothalonil 600-800x solution.
3. Viral disease
An indirect control method is to spray insecticide to control aphids, spraying 40% omethoate 1000x solution; during cultivation work, tools and hands that have touched diseased plants must be disinfected.