How to grow million bells, is a question that many friends will ask. A million bells (also known as Calibrachoa), Million bells is a flower that decorates many balconies and terraces, impressing with its lush, cascading beauty.

Not long ago, this plant, densely studded with bright little bells, was considered by many florists to be Calibrachoa (million bells).

You can also find Calibrachoa under this name in floriculture books until 1990 when it was placed in the genus Calibrachoa (million bells). Later, chromosomal differences between these cultivars regarding DNA structure were discovered by plant scientists.

Based on these studies, it was proven that Petunia and Calibrachoa (million bells) are related plants, but at the same time completely different. Beginners will find it useful to understand their external differences and how to properly care for and grow Calibrachoa (million bells).

WHAT DOES CALIBRACHOA LOOK LIKE

Visually, this flower is very similar to Calibrachoa (million bells), especially in the shape of the flower which is reminiscent of a phonograph. They are small, no more than 1-1.2inch (2.5-3 cm) in diameter, but this is completely compensated by their number.

Calibrachoa (million bells) is the name of one of these species (Calibrachoa (million bells)). The name adequately describes the appearance of this flower, which, when grown in hanging pots and vases, forms bushes with long, pendulous stems 20-40inch (about 0.5-1m) decorated with ornate bells scattered about.

TIP!
You can distinguish a calibrachoa bush from a Petunia bush by the two colors of the flowers. Regardless of the main color of the corolla, its “neck” is always brown or yellow.

Originally, Calibrachoa (million bells) could only please gardeners with its purple color, which is its original color. Over time, the plant caught the attention of breeders, who produced many hybrids in a variety of colors.

Now, you can see Calibrachoa (million bells) with corollas of white and yellow, red and pink, deep red and brown, and blue. These colors also come in various shades.

There are also some stalk-flowered varieties, but they are very inferior to the simple Calibrachoa (million bells) variety in terms of their lushness of bloom.

CALIBRACHOA DESCRIPTION

Calibrachoa (million bells) is a perennial crop that belongs to the Solanaceae family. In the wild, Calibrahoa shrubs are found in Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay.

Hybrids of natural species, which are annuals, are grown as garden plants. The plant has long drooping branches, so it is considered an ampelopsis.

Dwarf Calibrachoa can easily be confused with Calibrachoa (million bells), especially for gardeners who are just starting to grow flowers of this species. The distinguishing features of this species are.

1. the small size of the flowers.
2. The conidia at the base of the bells, the so-called throat, vary greatly in color, most often being bright yellow or brown.
3. The veins, located in the center of the flower, are more intense in color (compared to the main color).
4. The leaves of the plant are small (length – 30-40 mm, width – up to 10 mm), oblong, and their surface is covered with a thin, short and stiff layer of tomentum, which is also present on the stems.
5. The stems are dense, well-branched, easily lignified, about 20-80inch (0.5-2 m) long.
6. The outer appearance of the trunk of the plant is cool and shrub-like.

Note!
When buying seedlings, the small flowers do not directly indicate Calibrachoa. there are miniature petunias, especially shockwave varieties, but also small bells.

CALIBRACHOA IN LANDSCAPE DESIGN

The value of Calibrachoa (million bells) lies not only in its beautiful and opulent appearance but also in its versatility. Spherical shrubs can be used to beautify balconies and terraces, patios, and flower beds.

When planted in casseroles, in hanging baskets, and in vases, Calibrachoa (million bells) becomes a real decoration for gardens, avenues, or building facades.

A cascade of small, brightly colored flowers attracts people with their delicate appearance. By planting several varieties of different colors together, original works can be created.

Tip!
Low-growing Calibrohoa species can be grown successfully in compact spherical bush forms in open beds or floor containers.

The branches of Calibrohoa grow quite long if not cared for and pruned regularly. The specificity of this species, often used by garden designers to create cascading compositions and beautiful living arches, has recently become increasingly popular.

GROWING CONDITIONS OF CALIBRACHOA

Favorable growth and comfortable development of Calibrachoa (million bells) can be ensured if certain important conditions, especially in terms of cultivation and maintenance, are met

1. The site where the bush is to be planted should be sunny, sheltered from the wind, and protected from strong winds. Growing indoors means placing vases and pots on the south or southeast side.
2. Daytime temperatures should not fall below 71°F (22°C). Be sure to avoid the threat of late spring frosts.
3. In the aggressive daytime sun, Calibrachoa (million bells) shrubs should be shaded, as not only the leaves but also the flowers are easily burned.
4. Planting containers must be equipped with a drainage device of at least 2inch (5cm) in height.
5. Avoid adding hydrogel to the soil when planting, as the plants do not need too much water during the rooting period.

TIP!
Do not plant Calibrachoa (million bells) shrubs in shady areas, as this will greatly reduce flowering.

GROWING CALIBRACHOA FROM SEED

Calibrachoa (million bells) seedlings are best grown by planting them in peat pellets. They should be soaked beforehand. Experienced flower growers recommend soaking the seeds in a stimulating solution for about a day.

Peat pellets should also be soaked. To do this, place them in boiling water and keep them in it until it cools completely. Then, embed one seed in each such tablet and place the crop in a film mulch.

Crops need quality care and long light for at least 16 hours a day. For this purpose, the crop should be illuminated. Adequate moisture should be maintained during seedling cultivation.

Remove the film or glass after a few days. After the first and second true leaves appear on the seedlings, care should be taken, especially feeding. Compost can be used to nourish the young plants.

Tip!
Calibrachoa grown from seed may not resemble their so-called “parents”, i.e. they may not inherit the characteristics of their species. These plants may not flower well, and the buds that have fructified may be incorrect in size and color.

You can also sow Calibrachoa (million bells) seeds in a soil mi