Million Bells Plant Calibrachoa – Flower Patch Farmhouse

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How to Grow Calibrachoa (Million Bells): The Complete Guide to Beautiful Flowers

I remember the first time I planted calibrachoa, or million bells, in my garden—its bright, flowing flowers brought such beauty to my containers. From early summer to late fall, my hanging baskets were filled with bright colors that drew hummingbirds and butterflies alike.

Calibrachoa’s seemingly endless blooms and low maintenance have made it one of my favorite plants. With just a little attention to sunlight and watering needs, calibrachoa can bring the same stunning beauty to your garden. Here’s everything I’ve learned to help you grow these beautiful flowers successfully, whether in containers, hanging baskets, or garden beds.

Bonus: I was able to overwinter my Million Bells in their pots in my unheated greenhouse for a few years.

What is Calibrachoa or Millions Bells Plant?

Calibrachoa, commonly known as million bells, is a compact, trailing plant known for its small, trumpet-shaped flowers that resemble miniature petunias. Native to South America, calibrachoa has become a favorite in gardens and containers around the world for its bright, long-lasting blooms in many colors, from rich purples, pinks, and reds to yellows and blues.

This plant gets its nickname of “million bells” because of its flowering habit, which often produces hundreds of tiny flowers that cover the foliage in a colorful fall. With natural resistance to many pests and easy care, calibrachoa makes a great addition to hanging baskets, window boxes, and garden beds where gardeners can enjoy its lush, flowing growth and vibrant display all season long.

Grow and Plant Million Bells – Calibrachoa

1. Choosing the Right Calibrachoa Varieties

• Color Options: Calibrachoa comes in a variety of colors, from deep purples, reds, and yellows to soft pastels and multi-colored flowers.
• Growth Practice: Most calibrachoa species have a trailing habit, perfect for hanging baskets and window boxes, although some are more compact, making them suitable for borders.

2. Ideal Growing Conditions for the Million Bells Plant

• Light Requirements: Calibrachoa grows best in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. In hot climates, some afternoon shade can help prevent stress.
• Earth’s Needs: These plants prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Use a high-quality potting mix that includes organic matter and drainage. Or easily make your own potting soil.
• Best Temperatures: Calibrachoa does best in temperatures between 55°F and 80°F. Although they are tender perennials, many people grow them as an annual. I successfully brought mine into my unheated greenhouse and overheated them.

3. Planting Calibrachoa

• Containers vs. Ground: Calibrachoa do best in containers and hanging baskets where the water flow is excellent. However, they can be grown in garden beds with proper drainage.
• Space: When growing calibrachoa in containers, leave 8–10 inches between plants for good air circulation and growth.
• Time: Plant calibrachoa outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. They can be started at home if necessary.

4. Calibrachoa Watering Needs

• Consistency: These plants like moist but not waterlogged soil. Water regularly, especially in hot weather, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
• Drainage: Ensuring good drainage is important to prevent root rot, one of the most common problems with calibrachoa.
• Symptoms of Water Stress: Yellow leaves may indicate overwatering, while wilting may indicate underwatering. Overwatering containers can leach out all the nutrients.

5. Fertilizing Calibrachoa for More Flowers

• Type of Fertilizer: When you pot or plant your million metals, plant them on top with compost that acts as a slow-release fertilizer. If you don’t have compost, use a water-soluble fertilizer like the one here. If the weather is very hot and you have to water every day use EcoOrganic fertilizer every third watering for best results.
• Nutritional Requirements: Many will tell you to look for a fertilizer with more phosphorus (the middle number) to support flowering but that is a farming myth.

6. Castration and Killing

• Death: Calibrachoa is usually self-cleaning and does not need to be killed. However, pinching back leggy stems can help encourage fuller growth and more flowers. And you can remove the trimmings!
• Pruning: Thin calibrachoa lightly throughout the season to keep plants looking neat and encourage new growth.

7. Pests and Diseases

• Common Insects: Calibrachoa can attract aphids, spider mites, and thrips. Check regularly and treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil. I bring them into my greenhouse to cure them so I don’t harm any beneficial insects. I don’t handle aphids well, I have loads of bugs that come every summer, and they finish me off. If they get too many before the ladybugs arrive I spray them with a hose.
• Disease Prevention: Overwatering can lead to fungal issues such as root rot and mildew. Use a live fungicide if necessary and maintain good air circulation around the plants. (as insects I take it from the greenhouse to do this)
• Yellow Leaves: This is often a sign of nutrient deficiency or overfeeding. Check the soil moisture and use EcoOrganic fertilizer as suggested above and I use its supplement, Organic REV to bring the plants back to life.

8. Winter Care of Calibrachoa

• Bringing it in: In areas where calibrachoa cannot survive the winter outdoors, consider bringing them indoors before the first frost. Place them in a bright, cool place.
• Sleeping: Thin the plant, reduce watering, and avoid fertilizing until spring.

9. Good Plants for Calibrachoa

• Good Combination: Million bells pair well with petunias, lobelia, and verbena, which share similar care needs and create a lush, mixed flower arrangement. I have also used them as part of the spiller in large container mixes.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Make sure each plant has room to breathe and grow to avoid disease.

Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Calibrachoa

• Why is my calibrachoa not blooming?
• Lack of sunlight, insufficient fertilization, or overwatering can prevent calibrachoa from blooming. Make sure your plant gets at least 6 hours of sun and a balanced fertilizer every two weeks.
• Can calibrachoa be propagated?
• Yes, calibrachoa can be propagated by cuttings. Take a 4-6 inch cutting, remove the lower leaves, soak it in rooting hormone, and place it in a pot with a moist growing medium.
• How do I prevent my calibrachoa from getting legs?
• Regular pinching or pruning will keep the calibrachoa compact and bushy, and encourage more blooms.

My Final Thoughts

Growing calibrachoa, or million bells, can be a rewarding experience with proper care. Their low maintenance nature and abundance of colorful flowers make them a favorite of mine and are perfect for gardeners of all experience levels. Whether in hanging baskets, containers, or garden beds, the calibrachoa – million bells plant is sure to bring simple colorful beauty to your garden spaces.

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