Calibrachoa belongs to the Solanaceae family, like its closest relative, petunia. But at the same time, a number of distinctive external features can be distinguished in him. This plant has strong lignified stems in the lower part, as well as long shoots, on the basis of which calibrachoa is considered to be an ampelous plant.
In addition, she has small flowers. Reproduction of calibrachoa is not an easy task, especially if the seed sowing method is used. Therefore, novice gardeners need to familiarize themselves with all the nuances of this event before moving on to reproduction.
Calibrachoa: the best plant varieties
The genus calibrachoa includes a large number of varieties, and many of them do well in the middle zone of our country. Therefore, many of our compatriots received an excellent the ability to grow almost any species and varieties of calibrachoa on their sites. If you have patience and wait a couple of years, then young seedlings can turn out to be quite attractive and viable bushes that even novice growers can grow.
The variety "Kablum blue" is one of the most popular, which gained fame due to the fact that it was among the first to be grown from seeds in the middle lane. It is mainly bred using cuttings, so it is the same can be successfully grown both outdoors, and in a flowerpot. But, in addition to this species, there are other varieties of calibrachoa that can be grown from seeds. However, even against the background of their great variety, specialists most often give preference to the types of the Kablum group.
Of the features of the variety, it is worth highlighting low height up to 35 cm, purple flowers miniature sizes, which in the center are decorated with a rectangular yellow peephole. Sowing seeds of this variety calibrachoa is carried out in early March, and it is undesirable to keep them in growth stimulants before sowing. It is enough just to water the earth, which will be enough to quickly dissolve their shell.
Calibrachoa "Million Bells"
Among other popular varieties, it is worth highlighting the Million Bells calibrachoa. This variety is notable for its flowers, which can be painted in lilac, blue or purple, which has a lighter shade closer to the edge. The seeds of this variety germinate quite well., however, it is advisable to carry out liquid feeding with growth stimulants at the 3rd week of life to accelerate the development of seedlings. Plants of this variety are usually classified as ampelous. Adult specimens usually have a height of 1 meter, moreover, they are distinguished by abundant flowering, which fully confirms their sonorous name.
Calibrachoa: growing from seed
In order to grow calibrachoa on your site, it is not necessary to purchase expensive seedlings. This method can effectively replace sowing seeds. The main thing is to follow all instructions exactly. it the plant cannot be considered too whimsical however, in young age like any seedling, it is very vulnerable. Therefore, at this stage of growing calibrachoa, it is necessary to pay Special attention.
Immediately you need to prepare for the fact that it will take a very long time to wait for seeds to germinate. Moreover, only some of them will hatch. In order to increase germination, experienced gardeners resort to various stimulants. Among them, Epin and Zircon are quite famous. In the absence of them can be replaced with an ordinary solution of potassium permanganate poor concentration.
The seeds should be in the prepared liquid for a day, after which they are laid out on paper towels or a thin cloth to dry. But even in this case, one cannot be completely sure that after sowing most of the seeds will germinate. For crops, it is necessary to create favorable climatic conditions.
- calibrachoa is a flowering plant, therefore, first of all, it especially needs a nutritious substrate. To prepare it, you must use peat and compost in combination with ordinary garden soil. Mineral fertilizers are added to the soil immediately before sowing. During the cultivation of seedlings of calibrachoa, until the moment of picking, it is necessary to carry out several dressings, combined with watering;
- in addition, coarse sand must be added to the soil to give it a loose structure. This will provide better breathability. Also, attention should be paid to the acidity of the substrate, for which you need to add a small amount of lime. As a drainage, I put pebbles in the boxes with a layer of 4–5 cm, and sand is poured onto it with a layer of 0.5–1 cm. When the bottom of the boxes is filled with a similar drainage mat, they begin to add the main earthen mixture;
- Care must be taken when choosing fertilizers for calibrachoa after the seedlings are transplanted to a permanent place in the garden. You should not immediately use fresh manure for fertilizing, as it creates good conditions for the development of fungal diseases of the root system. It is recommended to replace it with mineral mixtures, potassium-phosphorus fertilizers or ordinary compost. The first feeding is carried out in early spring using a nitrophosphate. Plants will receive from it required amount fertilizer to enter the growing season.
Given that a small number of seeds emerge during sowing, it is very important to distribute them as densely as possible over the soil. To do this, they adhere to the scheme - on an area of 10 x 10 cm, it is necessary to sow up to 50-70 seeds. That's why you need to purchase several bags of each type in advance calibrachoa. Otherwise, by the time of transplanting into open ground, you will have a very small number of bushes at your disposal.
Provide high density plantings are needed in situations where sowing is carried out in boxes suspended from the ceiling or located on the balcony. If in relation to seedlings you will pick, and then replanting it to a permanent place in the garden, then you can not worry too much about how many seeds you will use. In any case, all plants in the future will fall on the site.
- during the cultivation of calibrachoa seedlings, you need to constantly keep the soil moist. Therefore, after sowing, a film is pulled over the boxes, and the plantings themselves are placed at the window;
- The main care measures during this period are spraying the soil three times a day, as well as watering the seedlings with warm, settled water. Liquid fertilizers need to be applied no more than 4 times within a month. Half of them must enter the ground by spraying;
- after waiting for the formation of 3-4 leaves on the seedlings, they can be transferred to the balcony with open window... When it becomes warm enough outside and the temperature during the day remains above 22 degrees, you can choose a day for transplanting calibrachoa to a permanent place. Alternatively, the plants can be left in boxes, however, in this case they must be kept in the fresh air - a loggia or a windowsill from the outside.
Regardless of where you grow calibrachoa - on the balcony or in the open field, you need to choose a well-lit place for the plant. But in addition to bright lighting, it is important to water regularly. If the plant will provided with sufficient moisture then it will be able to tolerate direct sunlight well. But during periods of drought, bright lighting can harm it.
Do not keep calibrachoa in shady places... Otherwise you risk not only not waiting for flowers, but also getting less bright leaves... Therefore, if you decide to keep the calibrachoa boxes next to the wall, then it is best to install them on the south side.
- the full development of calibrachoa depends on the thermal regime and protection from the winds. Considering that it is not always possible to fulfill these requirements in open ground conditions, many gardeners decide to grow calibrachoa in an apartment - on a loggia, where appropriate care can be provided;
- during the care of calibrachoa in indoor conditions you will have to use artificial light lamps to maintain a high temperature regime;
- it is imperative to protect the plants from drafts and sudden gusts of wind to avoid damage to the stems.
The most susceptible to such unpleasant phenomena is the ampelous caliber, which can feel good only when grown on a balcony or outdoors in a sunny and quiet lowland.
Experienced gardeners advise to pay special attention to preparing the soil for transplanting seedlings. One the plant needs about 1.5-2 kg of land, which will be used as a source of obtaining nutrients. Therefore, you will have to change the substrate every season or carry out top dressing using compost or store fertilizers.
Calibrachoa responds well to regular watering. For the normal development of the plant, the soil must be kept moist. but this does not mean that during care it needs to be watered with water in large quantities... More efficient procedure is spraying with standing water at room temperature several times a day. This operation is complemented by watering at the root, carrying it out no more than once a week.
A serious drawback of many exotic flowers is that they cannot withstand the harsh Russian cold, so they need shelter. Calibrachoa is different in this regard, since it only needs protection from water jets falling on it. That's why you need to take care of how exactly the moisture will flow to the plant not only during watering, but also during rains.
Calibrachoa is a delicate plant, so if large droplets get on the leaves and petals, it can cause serious injury. The greatest harm is done for plants, prolonged rains, which in unfavorable periods can cause plants to completely stop blooming.
Calibrachoa
Knowing about this nuance, many growers often decide on calibrachoa cultivation on the balconies. Then, at the first danger from precipitation, they will be able to quickly bring boxes with flowers into the house, providing them with protection from bad weather.
Conclusion
The desire of many domestic gardeners to grow exotic plants on the site is not surprising, because, as a rule, they have a brighter and more colorful appearance... But at the same time, this is not such a simple matter, since special climatic conditions will have to be provided for such plants.
It is difficult to grow calibrachoa in the open field, because it requires not only regular watering and open space, but also protection from drafts and precipitation. Unfortunately, not in all regions of our country you can find such places, therefore, gardeners often have to plant this flower indoors, keeping it on the balcony. Moreover, it is often the specimens grown in the apartment that are more durable and have brighter decorative properties.
Propagated by calibrachoa seeds and vegetatively. Until recently, it was possible to obtain varietal plants at home only with the help of cuttings. Seeds of many varieties of Calibrachoa are now on the market. Among the most popular are the Million Bells ampel series and, one of the first to appear on the market, the Kabloom bush series.
From self-collected seeds of calibrachoa, you most likely will not get plants with signs of the mother. All the beautiful bright bushes are varied colors, are first generation hybrids, the offspring from their seeds will show signs of only one of the parents and, with a high probability, it will be a wild calibrachoa with purple flowers and not very abundant flowering.
Calibrachoa seeds are usually sold in pellets. When buying a bag, be sure to pay attention to the F1 mark, which will be evidence that you will receive a plant of the variety that is declared on the package.
When propagating by seeds, from the time of sowing to flowering, a rather long time will pass, from 3 to 4 months. To get a flowering bush by May, calibrachoa is sown in February. Seedlings are very light-requiring, therefore, if it is not possible to highlight them on cloudy February days, it is better to sow them in March, when the daylight hours are already longer. While developing, they are quite capable of catching up with those sown in February.
You can sow seeds both in a common container with soil, and in peat tablets, which greatly simplifies the procedure for both sowing and diving seedlings. After many experiments, I settled on sowing in peat tablets at the beginning of March, although I still have to light up. First, I'll tell you how I sow in the ground.
Sowing in containers with soil
For sowing, you can take a universal soil mixture for indoor plants or seedling soil. At the seeding stage, it is not so much important that it is nutritious as it is necessary for it to be loose, water and breathable. Therefore, I add half the volume of a baking powder to it, for example, perlite, vermiculite or coconut fiber.
Calibrachoa seedlings can be easily affected by fungal diseases, so that this does not happen, you need to take care of its disinfection at the stage of soil preparation. This point is very important, especially when growing caliahoa and petunias, so I will dwell on it in more detail.
There are several ways to disinfect the soil.
- Ignite in the oven for 20-25 minutes at a temperature of 180 * C. In this case, not only "harmful" microflora will die, but also useful. However, for seeds and only grown seedlings, the purity of the soil is more important.
- Spill with a pink solution of potassium permanganate.
- But even more efficient way- This is disinfection with fungicides. It is better to take organic ones that resist fungi and do not harm health, given that I sow all my seedlings at home. I use Fitosporin-M or Fito-Doctor, active substance which are living spores of the natural bacterial culture Bacillus subtilis. Prepare a solution 1-2 hours before processing in order for the bacteria to become active. I make a solution of the color of well-brewed tea and water the prepared substrate. The soil should then be moist and disintegrate in the hand. If poured, you need to let it dry a little. You can act differently, when preparing the soil mixture, mix phytosporin powder (1 level teaspoon per 1 liter of substrate) with perlite or vermiculite (so that it is evenly distributed in the soil).
It is convenient to grow seedlings in transparent plastic containers with a lid from supermarkets that sell semi-finished products or baked goods. Such a container must be filled with prepared soil by two-thirds and well compacted. If the soil is dry, water.
Calibrachoa seeds germinate in the light, so they do not need to be embedded in the soil, I just lay out the granules on the surface and press lightly. I cover the container with a lid and put it on the windowsill, the main thing is that direct sunlight does not fall on it. Germination temperature of calibrachoa 21-24 * С.
I air the container regularly, with inside I remove condensation from the lids. The first few days, watering is not needed, then you can gently spray the soil so that it does not dry out.
Shoots appear on the 10-14th day. At this stage, it is very important not to overmoisten the seedlings, but also to prevent the soil from drying out. I gradually accustom them to the air of the environment, opening the lid of the container for several minutes, gradually increasing the time. When the plants are slightly raised, the lid can be removed. In order for the seedlings to grow strong and healthy, I lower the temperature to 20 * C, rearranging the seedlings closer to the glass. Calibrachoa seedlings must be protected from drafts.
With a lack of light, the plants will stretch and the seedlings will turn out to be weak, therefore, if there is not enough sunlight, it is necessary to use fluorescent or phytolamps to highlight the seedlings.
After the appearance of the first true leaves, the seedlings are treated with a growth stimulator Epin (4-5 drops per 0.5 l of water once every two weeks). I spray it only in the evening, as the epin disintegrates in the light.
When small plants have 2 to 4 true leaves, they can be dived into separate cups. The soil, as for adult calibrachoa, is slightly acidic, loose, nutritious.
Watering at all stages of seedling development should be very careful and moderate. Calibrachoa does not tolerate waterlogging of the soil, and even more so such masiks.
In the first 2-3 weeks after picking, the plants do not need to be fed, for their still small root system there are enough of those nutrients that are in the new soil. Then you can gradually apply top dressing with a high nitrogen content, I use fertilizer for ornamental foliage plants. At this stage, growth is important for calibrachoa.
To form a beautiful bush, with a large number of shoots, I pinch the plant over 5-7 leaves.
When the calibrachoa is completely braided by the roots of an earthen lump in a pot, it can be transplanted into a large container, where it will bloom.
Sowing in peat tablets
When sowing calibrachoa into peat pellets, the procedure is extremely simple. The tablets do not need to be disinfected, as I understand it, this has already been done during their production. Anyway, I have never developed fungal plaque while the seedlings are in pills, although maybe this is because I am very careful with watering.
I soak the tablets for a few minutes in warm water so they get wet faster and more evenly. I squeeze from excess moisture... I spread the seeds one by one in each tablet, pressing lightly. I put the tablets in a transparent container with a lid and put them in a bright place.
I dive after the appearance of 2-4 true leaves. I take nutritious soil, most often universal soil or soil for Saintpaulias, add perlite or vermiculite to it and coconut fiber... Be sure to disinfect it by spilling it with phytosporin. I cut off the shell from the tablet with scissors, trying not to destroy the peat braided by the roots. Two days before the pick, I spray it with epin.
Growing calibrachoa vegetatively
By rooting cuttings of calibrachoa throughout the entire spring-autumn season, a large number of plants can be obtained. They take root well. In addition, by rooting calibrachoa in August-September, you can get finished plant for flowering next year.
For the cutting, the tip of the shoot is 5-8 cm long, I remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few of the upper ones. I soak the cuttings for 20-30 minutes in Epin's solution (4 drops per glass of water).
Can be rooted in a container with soil (universal soil mixture in half with baking powder), but easier in a peat tablet.
I soak the tablet in warm clean water when it swells, I slightly squeeze out excess moisture. Gently insert the handle and put it in the greenhouse. If there are one or two cuttings, you can simply cover them with a transparent glass, if there are many, it is necessary to build such a greenhouse so that the tops of the cuttings do not touch the lid. Condensation accumulating on it can cause rotting. The cuticle is regularly ventilated, sprayed, making sure that the tablets or soil, if planted in a common container, do not dry out.
I transplant the cuttings when the roots have braided the pill. For transplanting, I take the soil as for an adult calibrachoa. To avoid problems with the appearance of rot, be sure to disinfect it in the same way as when sowing seeds.
Calibrachoa is an exquisite annual for pots. If you are looking for a new unusual decoration for flowerpots and hanging planters, then calibrachoa is perfect for this role. Flowers conquer with shades of bright orange, yellow, red and fiery red tones. Calibrohoa have become popular due to their compact appearance and their ability to release colors at a time. In addition, growing calibrachoa is profitable: it is enough to purchase it only once and regularly propagate it by cuttings.
Growing calibrachoa from seeds
When growing calibrachoa from seeds, you need to keep in mind that its seeds have a low germination rate and rarely repeat the characteristics of the parent plant. Seedlings are often weak and indeterminate in color. It is advisable before any crops. If necessary, you can. Calibrachoa is perhaps the only annual, which is better propagated not by seeds, but by cuttings.
Calibrachoa seeds are sown at the end of February, not forgetting about. You can use either a sterile substrate. To create a sterile potting mix, it is heated in an oven or microwave to kill bacteria that cause rot.
The seeds are laid out on the surface of the ground, lightly pressed to the ground and placed in containers with them in warm place... After germination, the seedlings are placed under the lamps, and not on the windowsill. Natural light it will not be enough from the window, the plants need 10-12 hour daylight hours, and a cool window sill will not allow the plants to fully develop.
After a month and a half, the plants are planted in small containers, relocated to the ground when the threat of frost passes.
In my garden, I plant the seedlings of calibrachoa in pots in early May and leave them in the greenhouse until the buds form. When the threat of frost passes, calibrachoa will take their places of honor.
Read more about sowing annual seeds and growing seedlings in the article:
Planting calibrachoa
Calibrachoa cannot stand the heat, so they try not to place flowers on the southern wall of the house, choosing places where the sun shines only in the morning or evening hours. Calibrachoa shoots are very delicate and brittle, so the plants are also placed in places protected from the wind.
When planting, no more than 2 plants are placed in a pots, the soil is prepared on the basis of compost with mandatory drainage.
Calibrachoa care
In general, calibrachoa care is similar to. However, there are several nuances: plants need to be protected from scorching sun, protect from the wind, do not flood and take preventive measures in the fight against pests in time.
Watering calibrachoa
When growing calibrachoa, you need to be especially careful about watering plants, which, unlike petunias, are afraid of overflow and do not need frequent moistening of the earth. Before watering your pets, you need to check the moisture of the earth by touch.
Calibrachoa pests
Cozy corners, where calibrachoa are usually planted, are fraught with one danger: ampelous letniki are often affected by spider mites - the only pest that annoys calibrachoa. To exclude the possibility of tick infestation, the plants are sprayed with insecticidal preparations at intervals of 2 weeks ( Actellic , Karbofos , Aktara ). The drugs are alternated.
Top dressing calibrachoa
For lush flowering, plants are fed (for example, nettles) once every 2 weeks. Herbal infusion diluted with water 1:10, the same infusion is carried out and foliar feeding on the leaves. Instead of herbal infusion, a complex mineral fertilizer is also used.
Calibrachoa care after flowering
After 1.5-2 months, even at the very better care flowering calibrachoa gradually fades away, then the shoots are shortened by half, the soil in the pots is mulched with compost and watered with grass infusion or urea solution to stimulate the formation of new shoots and buds.
Pinching calibrachoa
Calibrachoa are less susceptible to pulling than petunia, so the need for pinching is minimal for them. Plants are pinched if buds have formed at the ends of the shoots, and even more than a month before planting in the garden.
Cutting calibrachoa
Calibrachoa is propagated mainly by cuttings, not seeds, which makes its cultivation popular among gardeners, because it is not difficult to preserve the mother liquors, but the need to acquire planting material disappears.
The tops of the shoots are cut immediately after pinching. For grafting calibrachoa, stems 5-7 cm long are suitable, 2 leaves are left on each of them and the top is pinched. The lower cut of the cuttings is made oblique, the cuttings are inserted at an angle and covered with a bag for successful rooting.
The appearance of shoots in the axils of the leaves is a sure sign that the plants are rooted. Such cuttings are planted in the ground a month after the first signs of rooting - usually the end of June. Cuttings of calibrachoa begin to bloom by mid-August, gradually replacing the original bushes of calibrachoa, the flowering of which gradually fades away by this time.
Cutting calibrachoa for the winter
Calibrachoa is a fairly thermophilic plant that reacts negatively to temperatures below 10 ° C. Therefore, before the cold snap at the end of the season, the pots with the plant are brought into the room. In the apartment, plants are placed on the northern windows away from the battery. All batteries in the room are covered with a blanket to prevent warm dry air from entering the plant.
2 weeks after the introduction of the calibrachoa into the room, the shoots of the plant are cut to half the length and watering is reduced. If there is a possibility of additional lighting for cuttings, their cutting is carried out in December, if this is not possible, cuttings are not started until the end of February.
How to root a calibrachoa stalk
A box with loose soil and drainage is prepared, covered with sand on top with a layer of 2-3 cm, the soil is moistened. Cut the cuttings about 5 cm long - each should have no more than two leaves - and stick into the ground. The distance between the cuttings is small (approx. 1 cm).
Cut stems must be cut into the ground immediately, otherwise rooting will not be successful. The less time elapses from the cutting of the cutting to its falling into the ground, the higher the chances of its rooting.
Sticks are stuck around the perimeter of the box and covered with a bag so that the film does not touch the cuttings. Such a greenhouse is timely moistened, plants need high humidity for rooting, cuttings are placed under a lamp. When shoots appear from internodes, they begin to ventilate the greenhouse, briefly lifting the package, after a week it is removed.
If there are several mother plants, but a large number of cuttings are needed, then immediately after the first cuttings, the bushes are fed and a second cuttings are carried out a month later.
Planting calibrachoa cuttings
Calibrachoa cuttings are planted 2 months after the first signs of rooting appear. If not all cuttings are rooted in the box, it is not necessary to plant them before planting in the ground. In mid-May, they are taken out of the greenhouse and seated in prepared pots.
Flowering will occur 1-1.5 months after planting, and 2 weeks after planting, calibrachoa begin to feed.
Svetlana Samoilova, amateur florist, collector of rare plants
About what other flowers can be planted in the country, read the articles:
- a flower with an exotic name and a very decorative look. It is appreciated by flower growers for its ampelous properties - the flower falls in a cascade of small flowers, shaped like bells. To settle on garden plot or the balcony of calibrachoa, you need to know the rules for growing and caring for a flower.
Calibrachoa flower: description
Genus calibrachoa - Solanaceae... Any inexperienced gardener, seeing calibrachoa, can easily be confused with petunia. And for good reason - the flowers are similar in appearance and have a common genetic origin.
The first calibrachoa varieties are derived from petunias. To do this, breeders in Japan have changed their chromosomes. Petunias have 14, while calibrachoa have 18 of them. As a result, the external spectacular appearance of calibrachoa began to differ significantly from its “ancestor” - petunia.
Planting and care conditions are almost the same, but the breeding methods differ: petunia mainly propagates by seeds, and calibrachoa - by cuttings.
Sometimes flower shops offer seeds or seedlings of calibrachoa under the guise of ampelous petunia, surfinia.
Given these factors, calibrachoa is still not a species of petunia. The shape of the calibrachoa flowers is equated with small gramophones.
The most popular shade is purple, but breeders have delighted with color hybrids:
- pink;
- red;
- white;
- yellow;
- raspberry;
- brown;
- dark blue.
This is ampelous annual plant. Decorative view has when grown in pots, flowerpots.
Anyone who wants to buy a calibrachoa, and not a petunia variety, should pay attention to the characteristics:
- Flower size. Calibrachoa has miniature flowers (no more than 3.5 cm); in petunia, they are much larger. Although there is an exception - "minitunias" also have small flowers.
- "Throat" of the flower- the base of the rim. In calibrachoa, it differs sharply from the main color. Mostly bright yellow shades.
- Leaves... A striking difference. Like flowers, the leaves of calibrachoa are small, up to 1.5 cm wide, up to 4 cm long, elongated. A short cannon grows on the surface, which is also on the stem.
- Stem... Unlike petunia, it is very dense, there is a similarity to the trunk of a bush. In petunia, it is grassy, pliable.
Calibrachoa flower
Petunia flower
Growing seedlings and already mature plants requires sunny areas, protected from wind, drafts. Better to give preference to fertile soil.
Reproduction is carried out in 2 ways: by seeds and vegetatively (cuttings).
Experienced gardeners prefer propagation by cuttings, since growing calibrachoa from seeds has several disadvantages:
- Flowers are unlike the "mother plant". Often the result is far from what was expected. Many plants are similar to wild calibrachoa. "Parents" are rarely repeated.
- Even with proper care poor flowering is observed: flowers may be of the wrong color, too small.
How to Grow Calibrachoa from Seeds?
Plant seedlings cost a lot. To grow on your site or decorate the balcony with calibrachoa inflorescences, you do not have to spend money on expensive seedlings.
It is enough to buy seeds and grow flowers on your own. The plant is a little whimsical in planting and care. But simple rules and breeding tips will produce a healthy, abundant flowering plant throughout the summer.
Seed preparation
Seeds of all varieties have round shape... To increase the chances of germination (although this does not always guarantee a good result), they are kept for 1.5 days in a preparation that belongs to phytohormones and stimulates rapid germination. Alternatively, use "Zircon" or "Epinu". After the soaking process, dry on gauze or paper towels.
Sowing features
Seedling care
Seedling care rules:
- Timely watering and spraying is considered the main care measure. It is worth spraying the soil 3 times a day. Only warm settled water is used. 2-3 times a month it is allowed to bring flowers for seedlings. It is recommended to apply them by spraying.
- If at least 3 leaves appear on the seedlings, it should be taken out to the balcony for several hours(basically at this time it is already spring and the temperature allows).
- When the daytime outside temperature does not drop below 23 ° C, you can transplant seedlings to a permanent place (in pots, flowerpots). These plants are light-loving, but for permanent growth, you can choose partial shade.
- When at least 5-6 leaves appear on a young flower, pinch the top. This will help in the future to form the decorative effect of the bush, will give beautiful side shoots.
- Young seedlings do not tolerate wind and frequent heat. When growing it on the balcony, remember the need for constant shading.
If the balcony is not glazed, then it is not advisable to use it due to possible drafts and temperature changes.
Planting seedlings in open ground
- The flower can be planted not only in pots, but also in open ground. The transplant takes place in mid-late May. But everything is individual, you need to monitor the weather conditions. There should be no frost anymore.
- If you choose a sunny or shaded area with loamy or sandy soils, follow all the rules of care, then the calibrachoa will be much more resistant to pests, infections, drafts, strong winds. Planting a plant in sunny scorching areas is unacceptable.
- Watering the bushes that have already been planted in a permanent place needs moderate watering. The soil should be constantly moist. It is advisable to pour water at the root.
- Plants that have grown will not be superfluous and daily spraying especially on the hottest days. When replanting, count on 2.5-3 kg of soil per plant.
When choosing this breeding method, it is better to use purchased seeds from a trusted company. Self-collection of seeds will not only worsen the decorative effect of the "mother" flower, but may also prevent flowering during cultivation.
How to grow more crops?
Any gardener and summer resident is pleased to receive big harvest with large fruits... Unfortunately, it is not always possible to obtain the desired result.
Plants often lack nutrition and minerals.
It has the following properties:
- Allows increase yield by 50% in just a few weeks of use.
- You can get a good harvest even on low fertile soils and in unfavorable climatic conditions
- Absolutely safe
How to propagate calibrachoa by cuttings?
Step-by-step instruction:
- Getting a stalk is easy: it is worth cutting off the top from a young plant no more than 5-6 cm.
- From the selected cutting, 2-3 lower leaves are pinched off. After 40-50 minutes after cutting, place the cuttings in a bowl of water.
- The next step is to plant the cuttings in the ground. It is recommended to use peat tablets or special store-bought soil for blooming plants. Preparation for planting: remove excess moisture from the cutting and process with Kornevin. This will facilitate subsequent care and disease resistance of the plant.
- After that, you can bury the cutting into the soil. Make the hole with toothpicks or matches. Deepen to the first leaves on the handle. Place the box in a mini-greenhouse for the first time (you can simply cover it with foil) and promptly refresh the soil by spraying.
- Air the cuttings 1-2 times a day. The optimum temperature for their rooting is 20-22 ° C. If the planting and grooming procedure is carried out correctly, then after 12-14 days, expect the first roots.
- Caring for young shoots is uncomplicated- keep the optimum humidity and do not expose them to a draft. The first transplant is carried out when young roots grow by 2-3 cm.For young shoots, a pot with a diameter of 5-6 cm is sufficient.
- Many gardeners mistake this flower for an annual. and discarded after the first year of flowering. Subject to certain conditions of care, you can get a gorgeous bright bloom from the same plant next year. It will be enough to provide him with moderate watering in the flowerpot, the necessary care. Temperature for winter storage plants should not exceed + 12 ° C.
Calibrachoa grown from petunias are better adapted to the effects of bad weather and pests.
Active growth of such cuttings occurs in winter. They tolerate the rooting procedure well and practically all take root. In spring, shoots can be taken from young plants for cuttings.
Calibrachoa care in the garden and at home
There are no special differences in caring for a flower planted in a flowerpot and in open ground. But in open areas it is much more difficult to protect it from bad weather and pests. At the same time, "indoor" specimens can be more decorative.
Watering
Watering rules:
Fertilizers and feeding
In order for the bushes to be healthy, resistant to various pests and diseases, to delight longer with lush flowering, to carry out timely feeding of adult bushes.
During the period of active growth (before flowering), fertilizing is carried out 3-4 times a month... Complex fertilizers containing nitrogen are suitable. At the time of bud setting and the beginning of flowering, phosphorus should also prevail in fertilizers.
Bush formation
In order to preserve the decorative and aesthetics of the bush for a longer time, long flowering, carry out the timely removal of buds that have already faded and wilted. So, the forces of the plant, which were intended for the ripening of seeds, will be directed to the set and flowering of new buds.
It is possible to get flowering all summer long, you need to cut, pinch long stems. They are removed by 2/3 or half. This procedure will help to create a more lush bush, tying many healthy lush buds.
Video about the formation of calibrachoa:
Wintering and possible transplantation
Most varieties of calibrachoa are annuals. Novice gardeners do not particularly bother to get abundant flowering from the same plant next year.
But for some varieties it is possible. To do this, a flowerpot with a flower that has bloomed is placed in a shaded place and watering and feeding is reduced to a minimum. V cold period should be in a dormant period. It is better if watering is replaced by spraying.
Stories from our readers!
“I am a summer resident with many years of experience, and I started using this fertilizer only last year. I tested it on the most capricious vegetable in my garden - on tomatoes. The bushes grew and bloomed together, they gave more harvest than usual. And they did not suffer from late blight, this is the main thing.
Fertilizer really gives more intensive growth garden plants, and they bear fruit much better. Now you cannot grow a normal crop without fertilization, and this feeding increases the amount of vegetables, so I am very pleased with the result. "
Pests and growing problems
Among the pests are:
- thrips;
The most common diseases of calibrachoa:
And also we note the problems of cultivation:
- Leaves turn yellow quickly. Reason: lack of iron in the soil, too low temperature in room. If only the lower leaves turn yellow, this indicates a low level of nitrogen in the soil or the flowerpot (pots) is too small for a flower.
- The leaves dry up and curl. Reason: the plant has too little light or needs to increase the humidity.
Most calibrachoa diseases are easier to prevent than to fight. After all, treatment does not guarantee that the flower will remain healthy and strong. And preventive measures consist only in elementary rules flower care.
Types and varieties for cultivation
Thanks to the hard work of breeders, gardeners grow great amount calibrachoa varied in shape and color. The characteristics depend on the variety. The diameter of the flower of the largest calibrachoa reaches 3.5, rarely 4 cm.
Kablum blue
The flower is grown from seed. During the flowering period, the bush has a form of unusual beauty: up to 35 cm high, up to 40 wide, spherical in shape and covered with hundreds of small bell flowers, the diameter of which reaches 3.5 cm.
Culture gives good and lush bloom only when grown in sunny areas. With proper care, bloom can be admired throughout the summer.... Vases with flowers of this variety - bright decoration balcony, terrace, garden area. 
Terry
The species differs precisely in appearance flower. Inflorescence corollas have several layers, they look lush. Colors - from bright yellow to dark blue. The variety has a slight flaw - flowering is not abundant, but it is completely compensated by the splendor of the flowers. 
Cabaret
A group of varieties that has 12 positions. Have most of colors are white. Other colors are rare. An adult plant in a flowerpot similar to a ball, strewn with an abundance of white bells. The view is used by landscape designers to create living arches. 
Super Bells
The series includes 8 varieties of calibrachoa. large - up to 3.5 cm in diameter. Color - from yellow to burgundy. It has few leaves, and the branches grow up to 1 meter. Flowering begins in late spring.
The species is resistant to bad weather conditions (heavy rainfall, hail) and temperature fluctuations, but the standard conditions of care must still be observed. The variety is in harmony with the white calibrachoa. 
Million Bells
The flower variety, which includes 18 varieties, is most widespread due to the abundance of small flowers, behind which no leaves are visible. Long shoots looks spectacular in hanging pots. Basically, the varieties differ in shades. Flowers of this species are characterized by bicolouring. 
Noa
The variety consists of 6 types of flowers. Shades - from white to light purple. Experienced florists celebrate the sophistication of the variety. Flowers are painted in 2-3 shades of the same color. The length of the branches reaches 0.6 meters.
The variety is whimsical in care - prefers partial shade and slightly high humidity(no need to overdo it with watering). It is recommended to plant as a plant for one year, because after winter it loses strength and does not bloom.
Sunset
Reproduction of the variety is carried out by seeds or cuttings. The spherical bush reaches 33 cm in height and 35 cm in diameter. Flowering will certainly delight the eye, since the flowers have an unusual yellow-orange hue.
The variety is suitable for growing in floor vases, hanging pots, whimsical to care for. Flowers up to 3 cm. Abundant flowering is observed after 3-4 months after the appearance of the first shoots. If the seedlings are grown independently, the seed sowing time can be counted.
Calibrachoa in landscape design
The plant will not only be an excellent addition to any garden, balcony, terrace, but is also actively used by landscape designers to decorate large areas.
Unusual beauty, decorativeness are possible due to hanging stems. This waterfall of flowers will enchant everyone.
To decorate the landscape, not only hanging varieties are used, but also undersized ones. They will become great decoration in the open field and in floor vases.
Zest and originality are also brought in by planting flowers of different colors. Both in pots and in the open field, plants are combined with other flowers.
Calibrachoa will get along best with flowers:
- function;
- ivy;
- verbena;
- love;
- pelargonium.
Sweet peas and chlorophytum are also used as a "neighbor".
There were options for combining with Coleus, an unpretentious, bright plant that quickly grows and fills flower beds bright colors... Sedge is used because of the very beautiful shades of some varieties. It is used to decorate a flower bed and hide flower imperfections.
The most beautiful evergreen angelonia is also planted in areas with calibrachoa. It complements its decorative effect and requires the same growing conditions. In order for flower arrangements on flower beds, in the garden to become unique, you just need to give free rein to imagination.
Conclusion
Despite the fact that many gardeners, flower growers prefer petunias, calibrachoa is increasingly decorating gardens, balconies and terraces. Conquers with its showiness, extraordinary decorativeness. And planting and leaving is much easier than that of a distant relative - petunias.
Calibrachoa is an ampelous plant, the closest relative of petunia.
At a young age, the sprouts are quite vulnerable and require careful attention to themselves. Growing calibrachoa from seeds is not easy.
Sowing calibrachoa seeds
Sowing of seeds begins in late February - early March. Early dates planting allows you to get a flowering plant in May.
Soil preparation for calibrachoa seedlings
You can sow seeds in any loose substrate for indoor plants. But experienced gardeners have been preparing soil for planting since autumn.
The soil mixture includes:
Ripe humus;
Garden land;
The components are mixed in a 1: 1: 2 ratio and left to freeze in prepared containers.
Before sowing, the soil is brought into the house and treated against pests and infections. To do this, the soil is fried in the oven and poured with a solution of potassium permanganate.
In addition, calibrachoa can be grown in peat pellets. This method is more suitable for beginners, since you do not need to dive the seedlings.
Sowing calibrachoa seeds for seedlings
Calibrachoa seeds are similar to petunia seeds, they are quite small, which greatly complicates the sowing process. For beginners, it is best to purchase processed seeds in the form of yeast.
Sowing containers are filled with soil mixture and slightly moistened with a spray bottle. Seeds are evenly distributed over the soil surface, without sprinkling with soil.
Advice! To distribute the seeds evenly, mix them with sand or snow. You can also sprinkle the seeds on White list paper and take them with the tip of a toothpick dipped in water.
After sowing, the soil surface is moistened with a spray bottle and the container is covered with glass. Calibrachoa seeds need light and warmth to germinate. Therefore, the seedling cassettes are placed in the lightest place, where the temperature is maintained at 22C. The first shoots are visible after a week. After the emergence of mass shoots, the glass is removed and the seedlings are sprayed as necessary.
Growing calibrachoa: care and picking of seedlings (photo)
If the seeds are sown in peat tablets, then picking with a seedling can be omitted. All other seedlings need mandatory thinning and picking.
Three to four weeks after emergence, seedlings dive into separate spacious containers. The procedure is carried out carefully, lifting the plant along with a lump of earth, and placing it in a new pot. The pick contributes to the development of the root system.
Further care for calibrachoa comes down to watering and feeding. The plant does not tolerate soil moisture, so it is watered by irrigation several times a day.
Important! In order for the plant to form a lush bush, it is regularly pinched.
The first feeding of seedlings is carried out 10-14 days after the pick. For abundant flowering calibrachoa needs additional food. Seedlings are fed with complex mineral fertilizers for flowering plants... To prepare the solution, the dose is halved so as not to burn the delicate roots of the plant.
Difficulty growing calibrachoa seedlings
Growing calibrachoa from seed, gardeners often face a number of difficulties.
So what do newbies have to face?
1. The seeds of this plant sprout very poorly.... Experienced gardeners resort to various tricks and soak them in a solution of potassium permanganate. You can use drugs like "Epin" or "Zircon". Planting material is soaked for more than a day, after which it is dried on a cloth. But even such treatment does not guarantee that germination will increase.
2. Calibrachoa does not bloom well... The soil for planting should be as nutritious and loose, breathable as possible. To do this, it is not only diluted with humus and sand, but perlite is also added. In addition, every week the plant is fed with preparations with a high content of phosphorus and potassium.
3. Seedlings grow poorly and wither. An important point in growing seedlings of calibrachoa - maintaining high humidity around the plant. For this purpose, the pots are covered with a film or a bag, the flower is regularly irrigated from a spray bottle.
Calibrachoa care in the garden
Calibrachoa seedlings are best planted in hanging planters, which decorate terraces, balconies and garden. It is worth noting that the seedlings are very capricious, and you can take them out into the street not earlier than May.
Heat and light are very important for the proper growth of the plant. Give the flower the lightest spot, but don't forget to water. Calibrachoa does not bloom in the shade and looks dull. You can place a pots with a plant against the southern wall of the house.
In addition, calibrachoa is afraid of drafts and cold winds. They are able to break the delicate stems of the plant. For this reason, most often the flower is grown indoors.
An adult plant needs space and fertile soil. One plant will require up to 3 kg of loose substrate. Mature humus or compost will help to enrich the store soil mixture.
Important! As it grows, the plant is pinched and dried flowers are removed. This will form a lush bush and prolong flowering.
Watered adult plant carefully, trying not to wet the soil too much. Top dressing is carried out every week with a solution of mineral fertilizers.
So, when caring for calibrachoa, it is important to follow the basic rules:
Water systematically;
Cut off in a timely manner;
Feed regularly;
Provide enough light and warmth.
Calibrachoa - moody, but beautiful flower... Taking all the advice experienced gardeners, growing it won't be a hassle.
Growing calibrachoa from cuttings
There is no point in collecting calibrachoa seeds for further cultivation. The plant does not retain its parental qualities and you will grow flowers that are completely different in color and shape.
It is better to propagate calibrachoa by cuttings. This method gives the best results. Cuttings about 7 cm long are required.
1. Cuttings are cut from the mother plant in spring.
2. Lower part the cuttings are exposed, breaking off the leaves.
3. Process the cut in a root solution.
4. Cuttings are planted in moist soil.
5. Place the container with the cuttings in the greenhouse.
Every day, the greenhouse must be ventilated and, as needed, water the plants. In the future, the seedlings are looked after as usual.
Plants grown in this way tolerate winter well at home and are used again for cuttings.
Calibrachoa varieties popular among gardeners
The number of varieties of this plant is very large, many of them tolerate the climate of the middle zone quite well.
The most popular cultivar of calibrachoa among amateurs " Kablum blue". The bushes are low up to 35 cm, the flowers are small, bright blue with a yellow eye in the center. Sowing is carried out in early March, the seeds do not need to be soaked to stimulate growth. Suitable for growing by beginners.
Variety " A million bells»Also popular with gardeners.
The petals of the plant are colored blue, purple or lilac. Ampel plant, whose shoots reach a length of 1 meter. In addition, the sowing of seeds is carried out directly into the ground, without subjecting them to processing in growth stimulants. Breeders have developed new varieties of this plant with pink, red, yellow and white petals. But they are only grown by cuttings.