When is the best time to sow Calibrachoa?

Calibrachoa generally refers to the million bells, also called small-flowered petunia, and is a perennial herbaceous plant with a height of 15-80 cm. It can bloom in the same year after sowing, so when should it be sown? How should it be cared for?

When is Calibrachoa sown?

Calibrachoa is suitable for sowing in spring and autumn. Its optimal growing temperature is between 15-30 degrees, in winter it can tolerate short periods of low temperature at zero degrees, and in summer it can tolerate high temperatures of 35 degrees.

How should Calibrachoa be cared for?

1. Light

Million bells likes sun and also tolerates partial shade. With good sunlight, it branches vigorously and blooms abundantly. Normally, Calibrachoa can be moved outdoors to receive the warm morning and evening sunlight, but in summer when the sun is scorching, attention should also be paid to shading.

2. Watering

The general principle of watering is to touch the soil surface with your finger; if it feels very dry, then it must be watered. During the seedling stage, special attention must be paid to not watering until dry, and when watering, water thoroughly. Never water too frequently or let the potting soil become too wet, because the root system of seedlings is very weak. If the potting soil remains too wet for a long time, it can easily cause the lower leaves to turn yellow, and in severe cases cause the branches to wilt, and finally the whole plant to die. Therefore, it is best to decide the timing and amount of watering according to the actual condition of the potting soil.

3. Pinching

If you bought seedlings, first acclimate them, and after acclimation is complete they can be planted out. When the seedlings are about 10 cm, the first pinching should be done. Timely pinching helps them take shape sooner. This is an important means of controlling plant shape, increasing branches, and dwarfing the plant. With more branches, there will naturally be more flowers.

4. Fertilizing

Calibrachoa does not require much fertilizer for growth, but note that during its peak growing season, nitrogen fertilizer can be applied appropriately, and phosphorus and potassium fertilizer should be applied before and after the flowering period. Strictly follow the principle of applying thin fertilizer frequently, and avoid excessive fertilizer burning the roots.

In fact, besides sowing, Calibrachoa is commonly propagated at home by cuttings. Generally, select new tender shoots from the mother plant, plant them in potting soil, and manage them accordingly.