Calibrachoa is relatively new to the industry, and growers have learned to grow it successfully for the most part. But there are a few common challenges that arise with Calibrachoa. In this article, Proven Winners offers several pointers to help you along the way with Superbells Calibrachoa.
First, we have to think differently about Calibrachoa. This is actually a woody shrub in the wild. It grows in full sun, tropical to moderately temperate areas. It has a slower reaction time to fertilizers and correctives that we may have to treat the crop with.
Calibrachoa is only recommended for container growing, and part of the reason is that they like to dry out between irrigations. Keep this in mind when setting up your irrigation schedule. Calibrachoa can dry down to flagging but never to full wilt because every time they go into wilt they lose a little more vigor.
Left to right: Superbells Double Orange, Superbells Double Blue, Superbells Double Amber
Calibrachoas like an even soil environment with nutrients. The pH should be between 5.8 and 6.2. When you get above this range, Iron (Fe) ties up and your crop will begin to yellow in the growing tips. Treatments can be applied to offset a pH swing--(refer to the Proven Winners culture guide for these suggested treatments). Make sure you also monitor your pH for steady success.
Calibrachoas like moderate feed levels. Use a complete, balanced feed at 150-200ppm with a soil EC below 2.0. Remember to dry down between irrigations. If your EC in the crop creeps up a couple of clear water irrigations between feeds will get the EC back in range.
You can control your growth with light, temperature and feed, but PGRs may still be necessary.
We hope these tips will get you on your way to growing a better Superbells crop, and give you the confidence to try our newest Superbells Doubles. Plants with double blooms, such as these, have the potential for even more impulse sales at the point of purchase. Next spring, remember that several of the Superbells Doubles offer just the right colors for fall decorating and can help freshen up your containers and baskets for the after-summer business.
For more information:
Proven Winners
111 E Elm St Ste D
Sycamore, IL 60178
www.provenwinners.com