Million Bells Calibrachoa Caloha Classic Blue Velvet (Caloha Classic Series)

Water

Million Bells should be watered thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. In warmer weather, this might mean watering daily, especially if the plant is in a hanging basket or a container where soil dries out more quickly. Aim to provide about a gallon of water per week, adjusting for rainfall and temperature, being careful not to overwater. Always ensure that the container has good drainage to prevent root rot. During cooler months, the watering frequency should be reduced as the plant requires less moisture.

Light

Million Bells thrive in full sun, so the best spot for growing this plant is in a location where it receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. They can tolerate partial shade, but flowering may be reduced in less light. Ensure the plant is protected from extreme afternoon sun if you live in a hot climate, as this can scorch the leaves and flowers.

Temperature

Million Bells prefer moderate to warm temperatures, thriving best between 55 to 85°F. While they can survive in temperatures down to around 35°F, they are sensitive to frost and should be protected or brought indoors if the temperature threatens to drop below freezing. The ideal growing conditions are daytime temperatures around 70°F and slightly cooler temperatures at night.

Pruning

Prune Million Bells to maintain their shape and encourage bushier growth with more flowers. Trim back the stems every few weeks, removing about 20% of the plant's length to stimulate new growth. The best time for pruning is in the late spring or early summer, but you can also lightly prune throughout the growing season to remove dead or faded blooms and encourage continuous flowering.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Million Bells, or Calibrachoa, thrives in a well-draining, peat-based potting mix with a pH of 5.5 to 6.0. A mix of 50% peat, 25% pine bark, and 25% perlite or pumice is ideal. Regular feeding is necessary due to the fast-draining nature of the soil.

Repotting

Million Bells should be repotted every year in the spring. These vigorous plants benefit from fresh soil and more room for their rapidly growing roots.

Humidity & Misting

Million Bells prefers moderate humidity levels, ranging from 40% to 70%, which mimic their native environment and support their abundant flowering.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, well-draining soil, and weekly watering.

• Outdoor

  Place in full sun, use well-draining mix, water regularly.

• Hardiness zone

  9-11 USDA

Life cycle

Calibrachoa Caloha Classic Blue Velvet, commonly known as Million Bells, typically starts its life cycle from seed or vegetative cuttings, with germination occurring in warm, moist conditions. The seedlings develop into young plants with distinctive small, trumpet-shaped blue flowers and begin a rapid growth phase during which they require ample sunlight, water, and nutrients. As they mature, they enter the flowering stage, where they bloom profusely throughout the warm months, making them popular for hanging baskets and container gardens. After flowering, the plant sets seed if pollinators are present, although many cultivated varieties are sterile and will not produce viable seeds. When temperatures drop in autumn or during the onset of adverse conditions, the plant will begin to senesce and may die back, particularly if it encounters frost, as they are sensitive to cold. In perennial growing zones, or if protected from frost, they can overwinter and regrow the following spring, continuing the cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Summer

• Propogation: The most popular method of propagating the Calibrachoa Caloha Classic Blue Velvet is through softwood cuttings. This is typically done in spring when the plant is experiencing active growth. To propagate, growers cut a healthy stem of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) in length, making sure it has several sets of leaves. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until roots have established, which usually occurs within a few weeks. Indirect light and consistent humidity can assist in successful rooting.