Description

How to Grow and Care for Calibrachoa ‘Double Red’

Calibrachoa ‘Double Red’, often referred to as “Million Bells,” is a stunning addition to any garden or patio. Known for its profusion of deep red, velvety blooms in a double-petaled style, these hardy plants bring vibrancy and charm to hanging baskets, containers, and ground cover. With a resemblance to tiny petunias, they’re beloved by gardening enthusiasts for their long-lasting flowering season and ease of growth. This article will provide an in-depth look into Calibrachoa ‘Double Red,’ including its unique features, growing requirements, and care tips to help it thrive.

Why Choose Calibrachoa ‘Double Red’?

Product Description

Calibrachoa ‘Double Red’ is a hybrid annual/perennial in warm climates (USDA zones 9-11) that produces masses of rich, red, rose-shaped flowers with double petals. Each bloom is compact, typically about 1 inch wide, forming a dense mat of vibrant color. These plants are low-maintenance and are prized for their ability to brighten up small or large spaces with minimal effort.

Here are a few key features of Calibrachoa ‘Double Red’:

• Intense Red Blooms: The deep red color is eye-catching and adds warmth and romance to any outdoor space.
• Prolific Flowering: Enjoy a continuous display of flowers from late spring to fall with minimal deadheading required.
• Trailing Habit: Ideal for cascading hanging baskets, window boxes, and container arrangements, Calibrachoa ‘Double Red’ has a trailing growth habit that adds movement and softness to your garden design.
• Pollinator-Friendly: These flowers attract bees and butterflies, making them a fantastic choice for eco-conscious gardeners.
• Weather Resistant: These hardy plants shrug off light rain and wind, bouncing back quickly without losing their blooms.

Whether you’re creating a patio oasis or filling gaps in your garden beds, Calibrachoa ‘Double Red’ is a versatile and beautiful choice.

How to Grow Calibrachoa ‘Double Red’

Growing Calibrachoa ‘Double Red’ is relatively simple, making it suitable for both beginner and seasoned gardeners. With the right care and attention, these resilient plants will reward you with months of gorgeous blooms.

Step 1: Select the Right Location

Calibrachoa thrives in full sun, so choose a spot in your garden or patio that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. While they tolerate partial shade, too little sunlight can lead to fewer blooms and slower growth.

When planting in containers or hanging baskets, make sure the location gets adequate sunlight, whether it’s on your balcony, porch, or garden.

Step 2: Choose Well-Draining Soil

One of the most important factors for growing Calibrachoa is well-draining soil. These plants are prone to root rot if their roots sit in waterlogged soil for too long. Use a lightweight potting mix that ensures good aeration and drainage. Consider a soil mixture that contains peat moss, perlite, or coarse sand for best results.

If planting in the ground, amend heavy clay soils with compost or organic matter to improve drainage.

Step 3: Planting

You can plant Calibrachoa ‘Double Red’ from nursery plants or directly from seeds, though seeds can take longer to establish.

• For Nursery Plants:
• Gently remove the plant from its container and loosen the roots.
• Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball and place the plant in the hole.
• Backfill with soil and gently firm the area around the base.
• Space plants at least 12 inches apart to allow room for their trailing habit.
• For Seeds:
• Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.
• Use seed-starting trays with a light, sandy soil mix. Cover each seed with a thin layer of soil and moisten well.
• Place in a warm, sunny location and water lightly until seedlings emerge (in about 10-14 days).
• Once seedlings are 2-3 inches tall, transplant them into larger containers or directly into the garden.

Step 4: Watering

Calibrachoa prefers to stay lightly moist but not overly wet. Water deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering. If you’re growing them in containers, keep an eye on the soil as it may dry out faster, especially during hot weather.

Pro tip: Water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and avoid fungal issues.

Step 5: Fertilizing

To keep Calibrachoa ‘Double Red’ blooming throughout the season, feed them with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks. A fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (e.g., 10-10-10) works best. Alternatively, use a slow-release fertilizer at the time of planting for consistent nourishment.

Step 6: Pruning and Maintenance

One of the best features of Calibrachoa ‘Double Red’ is that it’s self-cleaning, meaning spent blooms naturally drop off. However, occasional deadheading can help encourage even more prolific blooming.

Trim back straggly stems by a few inches during the growing season to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage bushier growth.

Tips for Keeping Calibrachoa Thriving

• Avoid Overwatering: These plants don’t like soggy conditions, so test the soil before each watering. Stick your finger into the soil; if it feels dry an inch below the surface, it’s time to water.
• Provide Good Air Circulation: Proper airflow around the plants reduces the chances of diseases like powdery mildew.
• Watch for Pests: While Calibrachoa is relatively pest-free, keep an eye out for aphids, whiteflies, or spider mites. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Protect from Frost: If you live in areas with cold winters, grow Calibrachoa in containers so you can move them indoors when frost is expected.

Creative Ways to Use Calibrachoa ‘Double Red’ in Your Garden

One reason gardeners love Calibrachoa is its incredible versatility. Here are some creative ideas for incorporating Calibrachoa ‘Double Red’ into your outdoor space:

• Hanging Baskets: Showcase its trailing habit by planting in hanging baskets. Pair it with complementary colors like white Calibrachoa or blue lobelia for a stunning display.
• Window Boxes: Brighten up your windowsills with a cascade of red blooms. Mix with trailing ivy or sweet potato vines for added texture.
• Mixed Containers: Combine with taller plants like ornamental grasses, salvias, or geraniums to create stunning mixed-container arrangements.
• Garden Edging: Plant along the edges of flower beds for a low-growing, vibrant border.
• Ground Cover: Use Calibrachoa to fill spaces between larger plants or cover bare patches in garden beds.

Why You’ll Love Growing Calibrachoa ‘Double Red’

With its vibrant flowers, prolonged blooming season, and low-maintenance nature, Calibrachoa ‘Double Red’ is a must-have for gardeners of all levels. Whether you’re creating a dramatic hanging basket or adding a splash of color to your patio, these plants are sure to delight.

Their robust, trailing growth and weather resilience make them a reliable choice for long-lasting beauty, and their pollinator-friendly blooms ensure you’ll have a lively garden buzzing with activity.

If you’re ready to elevate your garden game, give Calibrachoa ‘Double Red’ a try. With just a bit of care and attention, you’ll be rewarded with months of stunning, red, double-petaled flowers that brighten your garden—and your day!