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Calibrachoa are originally from South America. A nightshade similar to the Petunia, Calibrachoa produce an abundance of bell-like flowers (which is why many customers call them by the trademarked name millionbells). Calibrachoa have a trailing habit, so your customer may want to use them in hanging baskets. They also work well in containers or as ground cover. Calibrachoa need minimal care and can be grown as a perennial in milder climates.
Growing Tips
Your unrooted cuttings will arrive freshly cut. You will need to plant them immediately and begin a misting cycle to root the cuttings. This will leech the soil of nutrients, so during the propagation phase use a constant feed of 1/3 the normal recommended dosage of fertilizer until well rooted.
For best results with Calibrachoa, we recommend using a well-drained soil with a balanced fertilizer and a constant feed program of 200 ppm N. Maintain a pH between 5.5 - 5.8. A pH higher than 6.5 will show iron deficiency. Optimal EC of 0.6 to 0.9 (using 2:1 Extraction Method).
Pinching
We recommend that you first pinch Assorted 5-10 days after transplanting to your final container. Pinch early and soft to promote good basal branching.
Spacing
Calibrachoa should be spaced adequately to allow airflow and light penetration between the foliage. Usually 2’ centers on baskets will be enough.
Height Control
Apply PGRs early to avoid initial plant stretch and keep a compact habit. An application or two of 2,500 PPM B-Nine (or 10-20 PPM Sumagic) is beneficial. (Note: B-Nine and Florel can delay flowering.)
Pests
Fungus gnats, aphids, and thrips are the primary problem pests with Calibrachoa.
Disease
Assorted are not prone to many diseases, but watch for botrytis while the days are short. This grey rot is usually associated with wet or humid conditions. You can prevent botrytis by allowing the plant to dry out between waterings, allowing for good airflow in your greenhouse, and spacing to allow the sun to penetrate to the soil level. The most common chemicals used to treat botrytis are Medallion and Banrot. Use them as a drench according to each label’s instructions.
Planting Assorted Liners
We recommend planting 5 starter plants per 10 inch basket. Use a well-drained soil in your baskets and plant your starter plants deep, allowing the ellepot to be completely covered by the soil. If you are planting 4” pots, 1 plant per pot should be sufficient. Plant it directly in the middle of your pot.
Pinch Assorted 5-10 days after transplanting to your final container. Additional pinches every couple of weeks may be required to shape your final pot.
Unrooted Cuttings
Cuttings vary in size between different plant families, but most can be described as tip cuttings (ivy are leaf-and-eye stem cuttings not tips) that stick nicely
in small plug trays such as the 105-plug tray we use (some varieties are better suited for a 50 cell tray, i.e. Angelwing Begonia, Bougainvillea, Setcrecea, etc.). Please do not order unrooted cuttings unless you are an experienced propagator with mist systems and proper temperature control.
