Calibrachoa Winter Care: Can You Overwinter Calibrachoa Million Bells
I live in the northeast U.S., and I go through the heartbreak, upon the advent of winter, of watching my tender plants succumb to Mother Nature year after year. It’s tough to see the plants you put your personal touch, time, and attention to throughout the growing season simply perish in the dispiriting cold that casts over the region. This is very true of one of my favorite plants, Calibrachoa, otherwise known as million bells. I just love their showy petunia-like flowers and don’t want to see the final curtain fall. I had to ask myself, “Can you overwinter Calibrachoa? Is there a way of overwintering million bells and, if so, how?” Let’s see what we can find out about Calibrachoa winter care.
Can You Overwinter Calibrachoa?
Given that I live in zone 5, which experiences full-blown winter, maybe it’s just wishful thinking that I could keep a zone 9 to 11 plant, such as Calibrachoa million bells, ringing throughout the winter. However, sometimes wishes do come true. It turns out Calibrachoa can be easily propagated from cuttings. This means it is possible to keep Calibrachoa plants over winter by taking cuttings from existing plants, rooting them, and growing them indoors in a brightly lit space. You can also try keeping Calibrachoa plants over winter in a container indoors. Before the first frost, carefully dig up the plant, being careful to retain as much of the root system as possible. Place in a container with fresh potting soil and transport to a cool space that stays above freezing – a garage should do nicely. Cut back the stems to about 2 inches (5 cm.) above the soil and water sparingly during the winter months. In mild winter regions, there are steps you can take to help ensure the resurgence of your Calibrachoa million bells in the spring. Upon the first signs of dormancy, overwintering million bells is achieved by cutting them back within a few inches (8 cm.) of the ground, raking up and discarding the clippings, then covering with 2 to 3 inches (5-8 cm.) of mulch. The mulch will be removed upon the advent of spring and, hopefully, to signs of new growth. If your Calibrachoa enjoys a warm sunny spot year-round, then Calibrachoa winter care isn’t as much of a concern to you. There is very little maintenance to do during the traditional winter months other than a little pinching back here and there to keep the flower blooming and in nice form. If the plant were to become overgrown or unruly, however, you could encourage a thrush of spring renewal by cutting it back, fertilizing and mulching it, and watering when needed.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
Shelley Pierce was a writer for Gardening Know How, contributing to hundreds of articles for the site.
-
Best Seeds For Survival – Grow A Garden That Can Outlast Almost Anything
Uncertain about the future? Why not try seeds? They’re easy to save and provide a safety net for good times and bad.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Should You Cut Back Perennials In The Fall? – When To Tidy Up And When To Leave Plants Alone
It's tempting to prune plants during the fall garden cleanup, but is it the right thing to do? Discover whether to make the cut – or embrace the mess.
By Amy Grant
-
No Flowers On Calibrachoa – Tips For Getting Calibrachoa To Bloom
Calibrachoa is a sun-loving, colorful and pretty annual. This plant should produce abundant blooms throughout the summer, but if your Calibrachoa won’t flower anymore, there are some steps you can take to re-invigorate it. Click here for more info.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Calibrachoa Cutting Propagation - Learn How To Root Calibrachoa Cuttings
Calibrachoa plants can survive year round in USDA plant zones 9 to 11, but in other regions they are treated as annuals. Gardeners might wonder how to root Calibrachoa cuttings or what other methods of propagation are useful. This article will help.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Growing Calibrachoa Million Bells: Growing Information And Calibrachoa Care
While Calibrachoa million bells may be a fairly new species, this dazzling little plant is a must-have in the garden. Get tips for growing them in this article so you can grow these beauties in your garden.
By Nikki Tilley