Calibrachoa, often called “million bells,” are a summer favorite for their vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers. If you want your hanging baskets to thrive all season, you need to know how to care for calibrachoa hanging baskets. These plants are generally easy, but a few key tips make all the difference between a good display and a spectacular one.
They love sun, need consistent water, and benefit from regular feeding. This guide gives you the essential steps to keep your baskets lush and flowering from spring right through to fall.
How to Care for Calibrachoa Hanging Baskets
Getting the basics right from the start sets your calibrachoa up for success. Let’s break down the core elements of their care.
Sunlight: The Non-Negotiable Fuel
Calibrachoa are sun worshippers. They perform best with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. A full sun location ensures the most abundant blooms and prevents the plant from becoming leggy.
If you have a spot that gets afternoon shade, that can be okay in very hot climates. But too much shade will result in fewer flowers and weaker growth. Always choose the sunniest location you have for your hanging baskets.
Watering: Consistent Moisture is Key
This is often the trickiest part. Calibrachoa don’t like to dry out completely, but they also hate sitting in soggy soil. The goal is consistently moist, well-drained soil.
Hanging baskets dry out much faster than garden beds. In hot summer weather, you may need to water every day, sometimes even twice. Here’s a simple check:
* Finger Test: Stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
* Weight Test: Lift the basket. A dry basket is noticeably lighter than a watered one.
* Water Thoroughly: Water until you see it running freely from the drainage holes. This ensures the entire root ball is hydrated.
Morning watering is ideal. It gives the foliage time to dry, reducing the risk of disease.
Fertilizing: Feed for Continuous Blooms
To produce hundreds of flowers, calibrachoa need a steady supply of nutrients. The fertilizer in the potting mix runs out quickly.
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer formulated for flowering plants. Look for one with a slightly higher phosphorus number (the middle number, like 15-30-15). Apply it every one to two weeks according to label directions.
A slow-release fertilizer mixed into the soil at planting time can provide a good base. But you should still supplement with liquid feed during the peak growing season for best results.
The Right Soil and Container
Start with a quality, well-draining potting mix. Never use garden soil, as it compacts in containers and hinders drainage. A mix with perlite or vermiculite is perfect.
Ensure your hanging basket has ample drainage holes. Good drainage prevents root rot, which is a common killer of container plants.
Pruning and Deadheading: Keeping Them Tidy
Calibrachoa are self-cleaning, meaning they drop their spent flowers. You don’t need to deadhead them. However, occasional pruning is beneficial.
If your plant starts to look leggy or growth slows in mid-summer, give it a trim. Use clean scissors or shears to cut back about a third of the foliage. This encourages fresh, bushy growth and a new flush of blooms. It’s a simple trick that revitalizes the plant.
Managing Common Pests and Problems
Even with great care, a few issues can pop up. Here’s what to watch for:
* Aphids: These small green or black insects cluster on new growth. A strong spray of water from the hose often dislodges them. For persistent problems, use insecticidal soap.
* Spider Mites: Tiny pests that cause stippling on leaves and fine webbing. They thrive in hot, dry conditions. Increase humidity with regular watering and treat with neem oil or miticides.
* Yellowing Leaves: This can have a few causes. Over-watering is common. But it can also signal a nutrient deficiency, usually iron. Applying a chelated iron supplement can often green up the leaves quickly.
* Lack of Flowers: The usual culprits are not enough sun, not enough fertilizer, or the soil drying out too much between waterings. Check your care routine against the tips above.
Seasonal Care Considerations
Your care will change slightly as the seasons progress.
Spring (Planting): After the last frost, acclimate new plants to outdoor sun over a few days. Begin your regular watering and feeding schedule.
Summer (Peak Growth): This is high-maintenance time. Water daily, fertilize weekly, and watch for pests. Don’t be afraid to give a mid-summer trim if needed.
Fall (Preparing for End): Calibrachoa are usually treated as annuals. As temperatures cool, flowering will slow. You can try to bring a basket indoors to a very sunny window, but it can be challenging. Most gardeners compost them at season’s end and plan for new ones next year.
Planting and Creating Your Own Basket
Making your own basket is rewarding. Follow these steps:
1. Choose a basket at least 12 inches in diameter. Line it with coco fiber or sphagnum moss if it’s a wire frame.
2. Fill it partway with a quality potting mix.
3. Gently remove your calibrachoa seedlings from their nursery pots. Tease the roots apart if they are pot-bound.
4. Arrange the plants around the edges and one in the center if the basket is large. You can place them closer together than in the ground for instant fullness.
5. Fill in around the roots with more potting mix, leaving about an inch of space at the top for watering.
6. Water the basket thoroughly until water runs out the bottom.
7. Hang it in its sunny final location and begin your care routine.
FAQ: Your Calibrachoa Questions Answered
Q: How often should I water my calibrachoa hanging basket?
A: There’s no single schedule. It depends on heat, wind, and basket size. Check daily in summer. Water when the top inch of soil is dry, which often means daily or even twice-daily watering in peak heat.
Q: Why is my calibrachoa not flowering much?
A: The top three reasons are insufficient sunlight, under-fertilizing, and inconsistent watering. Ensure it gets 6+ hours of sun, feed it every 1-2 weeks, and never let it wilt completely.
Q: Can calibrachoa take full sun all day?
A: Yes, they thrive in full sun. In extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade can prevent stress, but they need a minimum of 6 hours of direct sun to bloom their best.
Q: Do I need to deadhead million bells?
A: No, calibrachoa are self-cleaning. The spent flowers naturally fall off. This is one of the features that makes them so low-maintenance in the grooming department.
Q: What is the best fertilizer for calibrachoa?
A: A water-soluble fertilizer for blooming plants, applied regularly, works wonders. A formula with a higher middle number (phosphorus) promotes more flowers. A slow-release granule at planting time gives a good head start.
Q: Are calibrachoa perennial?
A: They are tender perennials in very warm climates (zones 9-11). For most gardeners, they are grown as annuals and replanted each spring because they cannot survive frost.
Following these essential care tips will keep your calibrachoa baskets vibrant and healthy. The key is consistency—in sunlight, water, and food. With a little daily attention, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning cascade of color that lasts for months, making all your effort worthwhile.