How to Garden with Million Bells

Million bells, also known as Calibrachoa, is a vibrant annual flower that is closely related to petunias. With its small, bell-shaped blooms and cascading growth, million bells is a favorite for gardeners looking to add a burst of color to their landscapes, porches, or containers. In this blog post, we will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully garden with million bells.

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Getting to Know Your Million Bells

Million bells are characterized by their small, trumpet-shaped flowers that resemble tiny petunias. They come in a variety of colors including pink, purple, yellow, white, and red, often with unique patterns and color combinations. The plants have a compact, trailing growth habit, making them perfect for hanging baskets and containers.

  • Choosing the Right Variety - When selecting million bells for your garden, consider the space you have available and the aesthetic you want to achieve. There are many different varieties of million bells, some of which offer specific colors, patterns. Look for plants that suit your garden's design.

Planting Million Bells

  • Sunlight Requirements - Million bells thrive in full sun, which means they require at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. When the weather starts to heat up, just pay attention to your watering schedule or, you may want to provide some afternoon shade to prevent the flowers from wilting if they are in containers.

     

  • Soil and Drainage - They prefer well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH (6.0 to 6.5). If your soil is heavy or clay-like, consider amending it with compost or sand to improve drainage. This will help prevent root rot and keep the plants healthy.

 

  • Planting Techniques - Space the plants 12 to 18 inches apart to allow room for growth. If you are planting them in containers, choose pots with drainage holes and use high-quality potting mix.

Caring for Million Bells

  • Watering - These plants need consistent watering, especially during hot, dry weather. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plants in the morning so that any excess moisture can evaporate during the day.

 

  • Feeding - Feed with a balanced, water-soluble plant food every two weeks during the growing season. This will promote healthy growth and abundant blooms. You can also use slow-release plant foods if you prefer, but make sure to check with our Garden Pharmacy Green Team first to see what plant food is best. 

 

  • Pruning and Deadheading - While million bells are generally low-maintenance, deadheading spent flowers can encourage more blooms and keep the plants looking tidy. Pruning back leggy or overgrown stems can also help maintain a neat appearance and promote new growth.

 

Gardening with million bells can bring a delightful splash of color and charm to your outdoor space. By following these tips for planting and caring for your million bells, you can enjoy a stunning display of blooms throughout the growing season. To keep inspired and grow with us, follow us on FacebookInstagramPinterest, and TikTok to dig into the joys of gardenin