Calibrachoa belongs to the Solanaceae family, like its closest relative, the petunia. But at the same time, a number of distinctive external features can be distinguished from 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. It is not an easy task to propagate caliberchoa, especially if the method of sowing seeds is used. Therefore, novice gardeners need to familiarize themselves with all the nuances of this event before proceeding to reproduction.
Calibrachoa: the best plant varieties
The genus Calibrachoa includes a large number of varieties, and many of them feel good in the middle zone of our country. Therefore, many of our compatriots received an excellent the ability to grow almost any type and variety of caliberhoa in their areas. If you have patience and wait a couple of years, then from young seedlings you can get quite attractive and viable bushes that even novice flower 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 with cuttings, so it is equally Can be successfully grown outdoors, and in a vase. But, in addition to this species, there are other varieties of caliberhoa that can be grown from seeds. However, even against the background of their great diversity, experts most often prefer the species of the Kablum group.
Of the features of the variety, it is worth highlighting small height up to 35 cm, purple flowers miniature sizes, which in the center are decorated with a rectangular yellow eye. 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 Bell Calibrachoa. This variety is notable for its flowers, which can be painted in lilac, blue or purple, having a lighter shade closer to the edge. The seeds of this variety germinate quite well., however, it is desirable to carry out a liquid top dressing with growth stimulants in 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, in addition, they are distinguished by abundant flowering, which fully confirms their sonorous name.
Calibrachoa: growing from seeds
In order to grow calibrachoa on your site, it is not necessary to purchase expensive seedlings. This method can effectively replace seed sowing successfully. The main thing is to follow all the instructions exactly. This the plant cannot be considered too whimsical, however, in young age, like any seedling, it is very vulnerable. Therefore, at this stage of growing caliberchoa, it is necessary to give Special attention.
Immediately you need to prepare for the fact that it will take a very long time to wait for the germination of seeds. And only some of them will hatch. In order to increase germination, experienced gardeners resort to various stimulating drugs. Among them, Epin and Zircon are quite famous. In the absence of them can be replaced with a conventional solution of potassium permanganate low concentration.
Seeds should be in the prepared liquid for a day, after which they are laid out on paper towels or 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, so in the first place it especially needs a nutrient substrate. For its preparation, it is necessary to 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 top dressings, combining 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 on it with a layer of 0.5–1 cm. When the bottom of the boxes is filled with a similar drainage litter, they begin to add the main earth mixture;
- very carefully you need to choose fertilizers for calibrachoa after the seedlings are transplanted to a permanent place in the garden. You should not immediately use fresh manure for top dressing, 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 nitrophoska. Plants will receive from it required amount fertilizer to enter the growing season.
Considering that a small amount of seeds sprout during sowing, it is very important to distribute them as densely as possible over the ground. To do this, 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 variety in advance caliberchoa. Otherwise, by the time of transplanting into open ground, you will have a very small number of bushes at your disposal.
Provide high density planting is necessary in situations where sowing is carried out in boxes suspended from the ceiling or located on the balcony. If regarding seedlings you will be picking, and then transplant it to a permanent place in the garden, then you don't have to worry too much about exactly how many seeds you use. In any case, all plants will subsequently fall on the site.
- during the cultivation of seedlings of calibrachoa, it is necessary to constantly keep the soil moist. Therefore, after sowing, a film is pulled over the boxes, and the plantings themselves are placed by 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. Within a month, liquid fertilizers should be applied no more than 4 times. Half of them should enter the ground by spraying;
- after waiting for the formation of 3-4 leaves on the seedlings, they can be transferred to the balcony from open window. When it becomes warm enough outside and the temperature during the day stays above 22 degrees, you can choose a day to transplant the caliberchoa to a permanent place. Or the plants can be left in boxes, however, in this case they should be kept outdoors - loggias or windowsills from the outside.
Regardless of where you grow caliberchoa - on a 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 regularly water. If the plant will provided with enough moisture, then it will be able to tolerate direct sunlight well. But during periods of drought, bright lighting can harm him.
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 crates next to the wall, 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. Given 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;
- while caring for Calibrachoa room conditions you will have to use artificial light lamps to maintain a high temperature;
- be sure 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 on open ground in a sunny and quiet lowland.
Experienced gardeners advise paying special attention to preparing the soil for transplanting seedlings. to one the plant needs about 1.5–2 kg of soil, which will be used as a source of obtaining useful substances. Therefore, you will have to change the substrate every season or carry out top dressing using compost or store-bought 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 in large quantities. More effective procedure is spraying with settled water at room temperature several times a day. This operation is supplemented with watering under the root, conducting it no more than once a week.
A serious disadvantage of many exotic flowers is that they do not tolerate the harsh Russian cold, so they require shelter. Calibrachoa is different in this regard, since it only needs protection from jets of water falling on it. That's why you need to take care of exactly how moisture will flow to the plant not only during watering, but also during rains.
Calibrachoa is a fragile plant, so if large drops fall on the leaves and petals, this can lead to serious injury. Doing the most harm prolonged rains, which in unfavorable periods can cause plants to completely stop flowering.
Calibrachoa
Knowing this nuance, many flower growers often decide on cultivation of calibrachoa on the balconies. Then, at the first danger from precipitation, they will be able to quickly bring boxes of flowers into the house, providing them with protection from the weather.
Conclusion
The desire of many domestic gardeners to grow exotic plants on the site is not surprising, because, as a rule, they are distinguished by a brighter and more colorful appearance. But at the same time, this is not such a simple matter, since such plants will have to provide special climatic conditions.
Growing caliberchoa in the open field is difficult, 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, so often gardeners 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 caliberchoa seeds and vegetatively. Until recently, at home, it was possible to obtain varietal plants only with the help of cuttings. The seeds of many varieties of caliberhoa are now on the market. One of 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-harvested caliberchoa seeds, you most likely will not get plants with signs of the mother. All the beautiful bright bushes of varied colors, are first-generation hybrids, offspring from their seeds will have the characteristics of only one of the parents and, with a high probability, it will be a wild caliberchoa with purple flowers and not very abundant flowering.
Calibrachoa seeds are usually sold in granules. 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 stated on the package.
When propagated by seeds, from the time of sowing to flowering, quite a lot of time will pass, from 3 to 4 months. To get a flowering bush by May, caliberhoa is sown in February. Seedlings are very photophilous, therefore, if it is not possible to highlight them on cloudy February days, it is better to sow them in March, when daylight hours are already longer. 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 in early March, although I still have to light it 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 soil for seedlings. At the seeding stage, it is not so much important that it be nutritious as it is necessary that it be loose, water and breathable. Therefore, I add half the volume of 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 even at the stage of soil preparation. This moment is very important, especially when growing calibahoa 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 the "harmful" microflora will die, but also the beneficial one. However, for seeds and only emerging seedlings, the purity of the soil is more important.
- Spill with a pink solution of potassium permanganate.
- But even more effective way- This is disinfection with the help of fungicides. It is better to take organic ones, which counteract fungi and do not harm health, given that I do the crops of all my seedlings at home. I use "Fitosporin-M" or Fito-Doctor, active substance which are live spores of a natural bacterial culture of Bacillus subtilis. A solution is prepared 1-2 hours before treatment 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 after this should be moist, disintegrating in the hand. If poured, you need to let it dry a little. You can do it differently, when preparing the soil mixture, mix phytosporin powder (1 teaspoon without a slide per 1 liter of substrate) with perlite or vermiculite (so that it is more evenly distributed in the soil).
It is convenient to grow seedlings in transparent plastic containers with a lid from supermarkets that sell convenience foods or pastries. Such a container must be filled with prepared soil by two-thirds and compacted well. If soil is dry, water.
Calibrachoa seeds germinate in the light, so they do not need to be embedded in the soil, I simply lay out the granules on the surface and lightly press them. 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 caliberchoa 21-24*C.
I regularly ventilate the container, with inside lids to remove condensation. Watering is not needed for the first few days, then you can gently spray the soil so that it does not dry out.
Seedlings 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 have risen a little, 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, so if there is not enough sunlight, it is necessary to use fluorescent or phytolamps to illuminate the seedlings.
After the appearance of the first true leaves, the seedlings are treated with the growth stimulator Epin (4-5 drops per 0.5 l of water once every two weeks). I spray only in the evening, as 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 masks.
In the first 2-3 weeks after picking, plants do not need to be fed; for their still small root system, those nutrients that are in the new soil. Then you can gradually apply top dressings with a high nitrogen content, I use fertilizer for decorative leafy plants. At this stage, growth is important for caliberchoa.
To form a beautiful bush, with a large number of shoots, I pinch the plant over 5-7 leaves.
When the caliberchoa completely entwines the roots of an earthen ball in a pot, it can be transplanted into a large container, where it will bloom.
Sowing in peat tablets
When sowing caliberchoa in peat tablets, the procedure is extremely simple. Tablets do not need to be disinfected, as far as I understand, this has already been done during their production. Anyway, I have never developed a fungus while the seedlings are in tablets, although it may be because I am very careful with watering.
Soak the tablets for a few minutes warm water so they get wet faster and more evenly. I'm pushing off excess moisture. I spread the seeds one at a time in each tablet, pressing lightly. I put the tablets in a transparent container with a lid and put it in a bright place.
I dive after the appearance of 2-4 true leaves. I take a nutritious soil, most often a universal soil or soil for saintpaulias, add perlite or vermiculite to it and coconut fiber. Be sure to disinfect by spilling phytosporin. I cut off the shell from the tablet with scissors, trying not to destroy the peat braided with roots. Two days before picking, I spray with epin.
Growing caliberchoa vegetatively
By rooting cuttings of calibrachoa throughout the spring-autumn season, you can get a large number of plants. They root well. In addition, by rooting calibrachoa in August-September, you can get finished plant to bloom next year.
For the cutting, the top of the shoot is 5-8 cm long, I remove all the lower leaves, leaving only a few upper ones. I soak the cuttings for 20-30 minutes in Epin's solution (4 drops per glass of water).
It can be rooted in a container with soil (universal soil mixture in half with baking powder), but it is easier in a peat tablet.
I soak the tablet in warm clean water when it swells, slightly wring out excess moisture. I carefully insert the cutting and put it in the greenhouse. If there are one or two cuttings, you can simply cover them with a transparent cup, 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 decay. The cuttings are regularly ventilated, sprayed, make sure that the tablets or soil, if you landed in a common container, do not dry out.
I transplant the cuttings when the roots entwined the pill. For transplanting, I take the soil as for an adult caliberhoa. To avoid problems with the appearance of rot, I must disinfect it in the same way as when sowing seeds.
Calibrachoa is an exquisite annual planter. If you are looking for a new unusual decoration for flowerpots and hanging planters, then Calibrachoa is perfect for this role. Flowers conquer shades of bright orange, yellow, red and fiery red tones. Calibrochoas have become popular due to their compact appearance and ability to open flowers at once. In addition, growing calibrachoa is profitable: it is enough to purchase it only once and regularly propagate it with cuttings.
Growing Calibrachoa from Seeds
When growing caliberchoa from seeds, you need to keep in mind its seeds have a low percentage of germination and rarely repeat the characteristics of the mother plant. Seedlings are often weak and indeterminate in color. Before any crops it is desirable. If necessary, you can. Calibrachoa is perhaps the only annual that is best propagated not by seeds, but by cuttings.
Calibrachoa seeds are sown at the end of February, not forgetting about. You can use or sterile substrate. To obtain a sterile soil mixture, it is heated in an oven or microwave to kill bacteria that cause rot.
Seeds are laid out on the surface of the earth, slightly pressed to the ground and containers with them are placed in warm place. After germination, the seedlings are placed under the lamps, and not on the windowsill. natural light from the window will not be enough, the plants need 10-12 hours of daylight, 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 seedlings of calibrachoa in a pot in early May and leave them in the greenhouse until the buds form. When the threat of frost has passed, the caliberchoa take their place of honor.
Read more about sowing seeds of annuals and growing seedlings in the article:
Planting Calibrachoa
Calibrachoa cannot stand the heat, so they try not to place flowers on the south 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 in a flower pot, no more than 2 plants are placed, the soil is prepared on the basis of compost with mandatory drainage.
Caring for Calibrachoa
In general, caring for calibrachoa 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 time to combat pests.
Watering Calibrachoa
When growing caliberhoa, 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 pets, you need to check the moisture content of the earth to the touch.
Calibrachoa pests
The cozy corners where caliberachoa are usually planted are fraught with one danger: ampelous lettuce is often affected by spider mites - the only pest that annoys caliberhoa. To exclude the possibility of infection with a tick, the plants are sprayed with an interval of 2 weeks with insecticidal preparations ( Actellik , Karbofos , Aktara ). The drugs are alternated.
Top dressing caliberchoa
For lush flowering, plants are fed (for example, nettles) 1 time in 2 weeks. herbal infusion diluted with water 1:10, the same infusion is carried out and foliar top dressing by leaves. Instead of infusion of grass, complex mineral fertilizer is also used.
Calibrachoa care after flowering
After 1.5-2 months, even with the most best care flowering of calibrachoa gradually fades away, then the shoots are shortened by half, the soil in the pots is mulched with compost and watered with herbal infusion or urea solution to stimulate the formation of new shoots and buds.
Calibrachoa pinch
Calibrachoa are less prone to stretching than petunia, so the need for pinching is minimal for them. Plants are pinched if the beginnings of buds have formed at the ends of the shoots, and more than a month before planting in the garden.
Cuttings of calibrachoa
Calibrachoa is propagated mainly by cuttings, not seeds, which makes its cultivation popular among gardeners, because it is not difficult to save mother liquors, and the need to purchase planting material disappears.
The tops of the shoots are cuttings immediately after pinching. Stems 5-7 cm long are suitable for cuttings of calibrachoa, 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 stuck 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 have taken root. Such cuttings are planted in the ground a month after the first signs of rooting - usually this is the end of June. Calibrachoa cuttings begin to bloom by mid-August, gradually replacing the original caliberhoa bushes, which are gradually fading away by this time.
Cuttings of calibrachoa for the winter
Calibrachoa is a rather heat-loving plant; it reacts negatively to temperatures below 10 ° C. Therefore, before a cold snap at the end of the season, a planter with a plant is 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 bringing the caliberhoa into the room, the shoots of the plant are cut to half the length and watering is reduced. If there is a possibility of supplementary illumination for cuttings, they are cut in December, if this is not possible, cuttings are started no earlier than the end of February.
How to root a caliberchoa cutting
A box with loose soil and drainage is prepared, covered with sand from above with a layer of 2-3 cm, the soil is moistened. Cuttings are cut about 5 cm long - each should have no more than two leaves - and stuck into the ground. The distance between the cuttings is made small (approx. 1 cm).
Cut stems should be cut into the ground immediately, otherwise rooting will not be successful. The less time passes from cutting the cutting to hitting 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 moistened in a timely manner, for rooting the plants need high humidity, the cuttings are placed under the lamp. When shoots appear from the internodes, they begin to ventilate the greenhouse, briefly lifting the package, after a week it is removed.
If there are several queen cells, and a large number of cuttings are needed, then immediately after the first cutting, the bushes are fed and a month later the cuttings are repeated.
Planting cuttings of calibrachoa
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 until they are planted in the ground. In mid-May, they are taken out of the greenhouse and planted in prepared flowerpots.
Flowering will occur 1-1.5 months after planting, and 2 weeks after planting, caliberhoa 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 valued 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 a calibrachoa balcony, you need to know the rules for growing and caring for a flower.
Calibrachoa flower: description
Genus Calibrachoa - Nightshade. Any inexperienced gardener, seeing a caliberchoa, will easily confuse it with a petunia. And for good reason - the flowers are similar in appearance and have a common genetic origin.
The first varieties of calibrachoa were developed from petunia varieties. To do this, Japanese breeders changed their chromosomes. Petunias have 14, while caliberhoa have 18. As a result, the external spectacular appearance of caliberhoa began to differ significantly from the "ancestor" - petunias.
The conditions for planting and care are almost the same, but the methods of reproduction differ: petunia is mainly propagated by seeds, and caliberhoa by cuttings.
Sometimes flower shops offer seeds or seedlings of caliberhoa under the guise of an ampelous petunia, surfinia.
Considering these factors, caliberchoa is still not a type of petunia. The shape of the Calibrachoa flowers is equated to small gramophones.
The most popular shade is purple, but breeders have pleased with color hybrids:
- pink;
- red;
- white;
- yellow;
- raspberry;
- brown
- dark blue.
This is ampelous annual plant. decorative look has when grown in flowerpots, flowerpots.
Who wants to buy a caliberchoa, and not a petunia variety, should pay attention to the characteristics:
- Flower size. Calibrachoa has miniature flowers (no more than 3.5 cm), while petunias have them much larger. Although there is an exception here - "minitunia" also have small flowers.
- "throat" of a flower- the base of the corolla. In calibrachoa, it differs sharply from the main color. Mostly bright yellow.
- Leaves. A clear difference that catches the eye. 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 with the trunk of a shrub. In petunia, it is grassy, pliable.
Calibrachoa flower
petunia flower
Growing seedlings and mature plants requires sunny areas protected from wind and drafts. It is 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 caliberchoa from seeds has several disadvantages:
- Flowers are not like the "mother plant". Often the result is not what was expected. Many plants are similar to wild calibrachoa. Rarely repeat "parents".
- Even with proper care sparse flowering observed: flowers may be the wrong color, too small.
How to grow caliberchoa from seeds?
Plant seedlings cost a lot. To grow on your site or decorate a balcony with calibrachoa inflorescences, it is not necessary to spend money on expensive seedlings.
It is enough to buy seeds and grow flowers yourself. The plant is a little whimsical in planting and care. But simple rules and breeding tips will help you get a healthy, profusely 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 "Epin". After the soaking process, dry on gauze or paper towels.
Sowing features
seedling care
Seedling care rules:
- The main care measure is timely watering and spraying. Spray the soil 3 times a day. Only warm settled water is used. 2-3 times a month it is allowed to make flowers for seedlings. It is recommended to apply them by spraying.
- If at least 3 leaves appeared on the seedlings, it should be taken out to the balcony for several hours(mostly at this time it is already spring and the temperature allows).
- When the daytime temperature outside does not drop below 23°C, you can transplant seedlings to a permanent place (in flowerpots, flowerpots). These plants are photophilous, 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 a decorative bush, give beautiful side shoots.
- Young seedlings do not tolerate wind and frequent heat. Growing her on the balcony, remember the need for constant shading.
If the balcony is not glazed, then it is not advisable to use it because of possible drafts and temperature changes.
Planting seedlings in open ground
- A flower can be planted not only in a flower pot, but also in open ground. Transplantation is carried out in mid-late May. But everything is individual, you need to monitor the weather conditions. There should be no frost.
- If you pick up a sunny or shaded area with loamy or sandy soils, follow all the rules of care, then caliberhoa will be much more resistant to pests, infections, drafts, strong winds. Planting a plant in sunny scorching areas is unacceptable.
- Watering bushes that have already been planted in a permanent place needs moderate watering. The soil must be constantly moist. It is advisable to pour water under the root.
- Plants that have grown will not be superfluous and daily spraying especially on the hottest days. When transplanting, count on 2.5-3 kg of soil per plant.
When choosing this method of reproduction, 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 when grown.
How to grow more crops?
Any gardener and summer resident is pleased to receive big harvest from large fruits. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to get the desired result.
Often plants lack nutrition and useful minerals
It has the following properties:
- Allows increase yield by 50% in just a few weeks of use.
- You can get good harvest even on low-fertility soils and in adverse climatic conditions
- Absolutely safe
How to propagate caliberchoa cuttings?
Step-by-step instruction:
- Getting a cutting is easy: it is worth cutting off the top from a young plant no more than 5-6 cm.
- At the selected cutting, 2-3 lower leaves are plucked off. 40-50 minutes after the cut, place the cuttings in a bowl of water.
- The next step is planting the cutting in the ground. It is recommended to use peat tablets or a special store soil for plants that bloom. Preparation for planting: remove excess moisture from the handle and treat with Kornevin. This will facilitate the subsequent care and resistance of the plant to diseases.
- After that, you can bury the stalk in the soil. Make a 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 just cover it with a film) and refresh the soil in a timely manner by spraying.
- Air cuttings 1-2 times a day. The optimum temperature for their rooting is 20-22°C. If the planting and care procedure is carried out correctly, then after 12-14 days, expect the first roots.
- Care for young shoots is simple- keep the optimum humidity and do not expose them to a draft. The first transplant is carried out when the 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 gorgeous bright flowering from the same plant next year. It will be enough to provide him with moderate watering in a 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.
Caring for Calibrachoa 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 harder to protect it from bad weather and pests. At the same time, "indoor" specimens may have more decorative effect.
Watering
Irrigation rules:
Fertilizers and top dressing
In order for the bushes to be healthy, resistant to various pests and diseases, to delight with lush flowering longer, carry out timely feeding of adult bushes.
During the period of active growth (before flowering), top dressing is carried out 3-4 times a month. Complex fertilizers containing nitrogen are suitable. During the setting of buds and the beginning of flowering, phosphorus should also predominate in fertilizers.
Bush formation
To keep the decorative and aesthetics of the bush longer, long flowering, carry out the timely removal of buds that have already faded and withered. Thus, the forces of the plant, which were intended for the ripening of seeds, will be directed to the setting and flowering of new buds.
Getting flowering all summer is real, you need to cut, pinch long stems. They are removed by 2/3 or half. This procedure will help create a more lush bush, tie many healthy lush buds.
Video about the formation of calibrachoa:
Wintering and possible transplant
Most caliberhoa varieties are annuals. Beginning 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 faded is placed in a shaded place and watering and fertilizing are reduced to a minimum. IN cold period must 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, the harvest was more than usual. And they didn’t get sick with 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 fertilizer, and this top dressing increases the number of vegetables, so I am very pleased with the result."
Pests and growing problems
Among the pests are:
- thrips;
The most common diseases of caliberchoa:
And also 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 (planter) is too small for a flower.
- The leaves dry up and curl. Reason: the plant has too little light or the humidity needs to be increased.
Most caliberchoa diseases are easier to prevent than to treat. After all, treatment does not guarantee that the flower will remain healthy and strong. Preventive measures are only elementary rules flower care.
Types and varieties for cultivation
Thanks to the hard work of breeders, gardeners grow great amount Calibrachoa variety in shape and color. Characteristics depend on the variety. The diameter of the flower of the largest caliberchoa reaches 3.5, rarely 4 cm.
Cabloom 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, you can enjoy flowering throughout the summer. Vases with flowers of this variety - bright decoration balconies, terraces, garden plot. 
Terry
The species differs in appearance flower. The corollas of the inflorescence have several layers, they look lush. Colors range from bright yellow to dark blue. The variety has a small drawback - flowering is not abundant, but it is fully compensated by the splendor of the flowers. 
Cabaret
A group of varieties that has 12 positions. At for the most part colors white tint. Other colors are rare. An adult plant in a pot looks like a ball, strewn with an abundance of white bells. The view is used by landscape designers to create living arches. 
Super Bells (Super Bells)
The series includes 8 varieties of Calibrachoa. large - up to 3.5 cm in diameter. Color - from yellow to burgundy. It does not have many leaves, and the branches grow up to 1 meter. Flowering begins in late spring.
The species is resistant to bad weather conditions (heavy rain, hail) and temperature fluctuations, but the standard conditions of care must still be observed. The variety is in harmony with white calibrachoa. 
A million bells (Million Bells)
A variety of flower, including 18 varieties, which has received the greatest distribution due to the abundant number of small flowers, behind which no leaves are visible. Thanks to the long run looks spectacular in hanging pots. Basically, varieties differ in shades. The flowers of this species are characterized by bicolor. 
Noah (Noah)
The variety consists of 6 types of flowers. Shades - from white to light purple. Experienced flower growers note 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 - it 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 the winter it loses strength and does not bloom.
sunset
Propagation of the variety is carried out by seeds or cuttings. The spherical bush reaches up to 33 cm in height and 35 cm in diameter. Flowering is sure to please the eye, as the flowers have an unusual yellow-orange hue.
The variety is suitable for growing in floor vases, hanging planters, whimsical care. Flowers up to 3 cm. Abundant flowering is observed after 3-4 months after the appearance of the first shoots. If seedlings are grown independently, you can count the time of sowing seeds.
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 thanks to hanging stems. This waterfall of flowers will enchant everyone.
For landscape design, not only hanging varieties are used, but also undersized. They will become great decoration outdoors and in floor vases.
The zest and originality are also brought in by planting flowers of different colors. Both in pots and in open ground, plants are combined with other flowers.
Calibrachoa get along best with flowers:
- function;
- ivy;
- verbena;
- love;
- pelargonium.
Sweet peas, chlorophytum are also used as a "neighbor".
There were combinations with coleus, an unpretentious, bright plant that grows quickly and fills flower beds. bright colors. Sedge is used because of the very beautiful shades of some varieties. She decorates the flower bed and hides 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. To make flower arrangements in flowerbeds, in the garden become unique, you just need to give free rein to your imagination.
Conclusion
Despite the fact that many flower growers prefer petunias, caliberchoa is increasingly decorating gardens, balconies and terraces. Conquers with its showiness, unusual decorative effect. And planting and care is much easier than that of a distant relative - petunias.
Calibrachoa is an ampelous plant, the closest relative of petunia.
At a young age, sprouts are quite vulnerable and require careful treatment. Growing caliberchoa from seeds is not easy.
Sowing Calibrachoa Seeds
Sowing seeds begins in late February - early March. Early dates plantings allow you to get a flowering plant in May.
Soil preparation for seedlings of calibrachoa
You can sow seeds in any loose substrate for indoor plants. But experienced gardeners have been preparing soil for planting since autumn.
The composition of the soil mixture includes:
Mature humus;
Garden land;
The components are mixed in a ratio of 1:1:2 and left to freeze in prepared containers.
Before sowing, the soil is brought into the house and treated from pests and infections. To do this, the soil is fried in the oven and watered with a solution of potassium permanganate.
In addition, caliberchoa can be grown in peat tablets. This method is more suitable for beginners, since seedlings do not need to dive.
Sowing caliberchoa seeds for seedlings
Calibrachoa seeds are similar to petunia seeds, they are quite small, which greatly complicates the sowing process. For beginners, it is better to purchase processed seeds in the form of yeast.
Sowing containers are filled with soil mixture and slightly moistened with a spray gun. Seeds are evenly distributed over the surface of the soil, without sprinkling with soil.
Advice! To distribute the seeds evenly, mix them with sand or snow. You can also sprinkle seeds on White list paper and pick them up with the tip of a toothpick dipped in water.
After sowing, the surface of the soil is moistened with a spray bottle and the container is covered with glass. Calibrachoa seeds need light and warmth to germinate. Therefore, seedling cassettes are placed in the most illuminated place, where the temperature is maintained at 22C. The first sprouts are visible in a week. After the appearance of mass shoots, the glass is removed and seedlings are sprayed as necessary.
Growing calibrachoa: care and picking 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 germination, the seedlings dive into separate spacious containers. The procedure is carried out carefully, lifting the plant along with a clod of earth, and placing it in a new pot. Picking promotes the development of the root system.
Further care for caliberhoa comes down to watering and fertilizing. 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 picking. For abundant flowering caliberchoa needs extra 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.
Difficulties in Growing Calibrachoa Seedlings
Growing caliberchoa from seeds, gardeners often face a number of difficulties.
So, what will beginners have to face?
1. The seeds of this plant germinate 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". The planting material is soaked for a day, after which it is dried on the fabric. But even such processing does not guarantee that germination will increase.
2. Calibrachoa blooms poorly. The soil for planting should be as nutritious and loose as possible, breathable. 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. 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.
Caring for Calibrachoa in the Garden
Calibrachoa seedlings are best planted in hanging planters that adorn terraces, balconies and gardens. It is worth noting that the seedlings are very capricious, and you can take them out into the street no earlier than May.
Heat and light are very important for the full growth of the plant. Take the flower to the most illuminated place, but do not forget to water. Calibrachoa does not bloom in the shade and looks dull. You can place a planter with a plant near the southern wall of the house.
In addition, caliberhoa 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 enrich the store soil mixture.
Important! As the plant grows, pinch and remove dry flowers. This will form a lush bush and prolong flowering.
Watered mature plant Carefully, trying not to moisten 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;
Trim in a timely manner
Feed regularly;
Provide enough light and heat.
Calibrachoa - capricious, but beautiful flower. With all the advice experienced gardeners, its cultivation will not cause trouble.
Growing Calibrachoa from cuttings
Collecting caliberchoa seeds for further cultivation does not make sense. The plant does not retain parental qualities and you will grow flowers that are completely different in color and shape.
It is better to propagate caliberchoa by cuttings on your own. This method gives the best result. You will need cuttings about 7 cm long.
1. Cuttings are cut from the mother plant in the spring.
2. lower part the cuttings are bare, cutting off the leaves.
3. Treat the cut in root solution.
4. Planted cuttings in moist soil.
5. Place a container with cuttings in a greenhouse.
Every day, the greenhouse must be aired and the plants watered as needed. In the future, the seedlings are looked after as usual.
Plants grown in this way tolerate winter well at home and are again used 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 variety of calibrachoa among hobbyists " Cabloom 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 beginners.
Variety " A million bells» is also popular with gardeners.
The petals of the plant are colored blue, purple or lilac. ampelous plant, whose shoots reach a length of 1 meter. In addition, sowing seeds is carried out immediately in the ground, without subjecting them to treatment in growth stimulants. Breeders have bred new varieties of this plant with pink, red, yellow and white petals. But they are grown only by cuttings.