Calibrachoa – Million Bells^® Trailing Magenta

Calibrachoa has not been a part of our industry for very long; the first plants were taxonomically described in 1989 and the first cultivars released in 1992. The original plants were found in coastal areas clinging to rocks and surviving in some pretty harsh conditions, they so much resembled Petunias that they were originally referred to as 'Seashore Petunias'. Since their release in the early 90's this crop has grown faster than most other genera and become a major crop in its own right. The family tree of this genus reaches deep down into Latin America; almost all species can be found in either in Argentina, Brazil, or Uruguay. There are about 25 known species of this plant and the breeding of Calibrachoa is a complicated matter of finding which species will cross with the next. They do not all work and it takes a breeder of great skill to come up with all the best crosses that give not only all the disease, heat, and drought tolerance that the original species offer but also offer the best in production characteristics, growth habit, and come close to being daylength neutral as it is all of these characteristics that make for a successful release on the market. Proven Winners has always worked with the world's premier breeder of Calibrachoa and continues to search for the plants which exhibit superior consumer performance, disease resistance, and above all keep raising the bar on what we can expect from this fantastic genus of plants.

Features

Calibrachoa has not been a part of our industry for very long; the first plants were taxonomically described in 1989 and the first cultivars released in 1992. The original plants were found in coastal areas clinging to rocks and surviving in some pretty harsh conditions, they so much resembled Petunias that they were originally referred to as 'Seashore Petunias'. Since their release in the early 90's this crop has grown faster than most other genera and become a major crop in its own right. The family tree of this genus reaches deep down into Latin America; almost all species can be found in either in Argentina, Brazil, or Uruguay. There are about 25 known species of this plant and the breeding of Calibrachoa is a complicated matter of finding which species will cross with the next. They do not all work and it takes a breeder of great skill to come up with all the best crosses that give not only all the disease, heat, and drought tolerance that the original species offer but also offer the best in production characteristics, growth habit, and come close to being daylength neutral as it is all of these characteristics that make for a successful release on the market. Proven Winners has always worked with the world's premier breeder of Calibrachoa and continues to search for the plants which exhibit superior consumer performance, disease resistance, and above all keep raising the bar on what we can expect from this fantastic genus of plants.

Attracts: Birds, Hummingbirds

Dead-Heading Not Necessary

Maintenance Notes

Keeping plants too wet can lead to root rot diseases. Allow the top of the soil to dry before watering again. If your plant is wilting even though the soil is still damp you likely have a root rot problem. Self-cleaning, no deadheading necessary.

Needs Good Drainage

Uses Notes

Use in hanging baskets, combinations and landscaping

Maintenance Category Easy

Water Category Average

Bloom Time

Flower Form Container

pH A - pH 5.5 - 5.8

EC (2:1 Extraction Method) 0.6 - 0.9

Fertilization 150 - 200

Light Requirements High

Water Requirements Moderate to Moist

Rooting Out Temperature 65 - 72° Fahrenheit

Growing On Temperature 55 - 65° Fahrenheit

Holding Temperature 40 - 50° Fahrenheit

Planting and Timing Information

Early Spring through Fall Finish. Standard PPP.

Finishing Times [weeks]
4-5" and Quart Pot : 4-6
6" and Gallon Pot : 5-7
7-9" Pot : 7-9
10-12" and Two Gallon Pot : 10-12

Pinching and Growth Regulators

For pots 6" and smaller pinch at transplanting only. For hanging baskets and pots larger than 6" soft pinch at planting and trim around pot just prior to hanging. 5-10 ppm Sumagic or a B-9/Cycocel (2500/750) tank mix is effective. 500 ppm Florel on baskets and larger pots will promote branching.

Pest and Disease Management

General pest and disease practices as listed in notes. Calibrachoa are sensitive to pythium, phytopthera, and thelaviopsis. Maintaining proper pH (5.5-5.8) and good sanitation practices will help alleviate problems. Increased air circulation, proper water management and good soil porosity are also critical.

Scout regularly for aphids which can be problematic. Be sure to check hanging baskets that are hanging high, it can be easy to forget to scout for insect problems with pots high in the rafters.

Grower Tips

Yellow growing tips is often an indicator of high pH.

Be sure to keep pH in optimum range. Cold is a good natural growth regulator.