How to grow Million Bells

It is always a nice sight when you see a balcony “bending down” under the weight of a huge number of beautiful flowers. If you want people to turn their heads when they passing your balcony, bet on Million bells (Calibrachoa) . Do you like orange, purple, red, yellow or other combinations? Then again go for Million bells! These flowers are often confused with overhanging petunias, which you can mainly see in Germany and Austria. But you do not have to travel abroad to see Million bells. We have plenty of these beautiful flowers right at home. How to grow them properly and enjoy the bloom from May to late autumn? Well, we shall show you now.

Choosing the correct growing site

Choosing the best soil for Million bells is extremely important. Sunny or partly sunny locations facing towards the south are ideal but southeast or southwest is also okay. The optimal temperature for Million bells is around 21 to 24 degrees Celsius. You should start sowing into boxes around the second half of May. If you do it earlier the frost may destroy your plants. Do not forget to provide proper drainage. You can put 4 seedlings in a box or flowerpot with a diameter of about 50 cm.

Use a permeable substrate with plenty of nutrients

Pay attention to the soil substrate you are going to use as it should contain plenty of nutrients. You may use one intended for growing petunias or for surfinies. However, you may mix your own. All you need is a regular soil, compost and sand.Follow 2:1:1 mixing ratio.

Plenty of water and an adequate fertilizer

If your plant has dry leaves then something is obviously wrong and the most likely cause is improper or rather insufficient watering. Million bells loves moist soil but if you overdo it, they will rot easily. Best is to choose a substrate that will maintain a constant humidity but is permeable enough and will not hold too much water. Fertilize regularly, even after each watering, twice a week . During very hot summer, you need to water daily – in the morning and evening.

Photo: Pixabay