Read on for our care and growing guide.
Soil
Fill your planting containers withsoilless potting mixamended with humus orcompost.
Potting mix will ensure the excellent drainage necessary for plant health, as million bells hates soggy soil.
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Space the plants about 18 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Cover the soil with organic mulch to keep the root system cool and to stop evaporation.
Water
Keep the plants evenly moist, and don’t ever let the soil completely dry out.
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If so, you must irrigate until water flows through the drainage holes.
If the soil at your fingertip feels dry, it’s time to water.
Add water until it comes out of the container’s drainage holes.
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And continue to test the soil regularly to keep on top of watering needs.
Temperature and Humidity
Million bells plants thrive in warm weather, but they can become heat-stressed.
But do not mist in direct sunlight, which can lead to leaf burn.
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This is especially important at summer’s end to coax more blooms out of the plants.
Types of Million Bells
Million bells is the most well-known hybrid in theCalibrachoagenus.
Propagating Million Bells
Million bells is most easily propagated by cuttings, ideally during the growing season.
To prevent this, plant them outdoors around the same time you’d plant tomatoes in your area.
Furthermore, unlikepetunias, million bells dont suffer from the dreaded tobacco budworm.
Overwintering
Million bells can’t survive colder than zone 9.
Though these plants can survive in partial sunlight, they really prefer full sun.
Bloom Months
Million bells typically blooms from May until October or until the first frost.
How Long Does Million Bells Bloom?
Million bells will bloom from late spring and well into fall.
When grown as perennials, they will bloom year after year in good health.
Deadheading Million Blooms
Deadheading million bells flowers is totally unnecessary.
These plants are considered “self-cleaning” and will continue to bloom readily without deadheading.
This can lead to root rot, which can then cause leaf drop as the plant dies.
Check the roots for signs of decay.
Yellowing Leaves
Yellowing leaves on a million bells plant is indicative of underwatering.
Adjust watering accordingly if you begin to notice the color changing on your plant’s leaves.
Million bells are perennial to USDA zones 7-11, where they will come back year after year.
Yes, million bells plants are known for attracting hummingbirds, especially when grown in hanging baskets.