Best methods for Million bells hanging baskets from gardening experts

The brilliant colors and distinctive flower shapes are what draw gardeners’ attention. With so many options in colors and styles, it is not surprising that Million Bells (Calibrachoa) quickly became one of the most popular in the garden. As a result, this article from gardenhow.net will show you some methods for carrying Million Bells hanging baskets to create a vivid atmosphere in your garden. 

Are Million Bells good for hanging baskets?

Million Bells is a wonderful plant for a hanging basket. Some gardeners are unsure if Million Bells are suitable for hanging baskets. Yes, it is correct. Not only will your garden become more vivid, but it will also save you space. Adding a few hanging baskets filled with vibrant flowers is one of the simplest ways to add a pop of color and beauty to your yard. Hanging baskets are an easy way to get your yard blooming now that planting season is in full force. They expand out and burst with vivid color and exquisite trailing leaves as the season progresses.

Million Bells planted in the basket make it easier for gardeners to get to the display areas, considerably increasing the number of sites where this bloom may be seen. Million Bells is deserving of the title of queen of balcony flowers, bringing in the youth of youth and bright beauty.Million bells hanging baskets from balconies, terraces, or small windows to decorate the interiors of cafes, restaurants, and hotels.These hanging baskets will produce gorgeous blossoms all summer long and are great for any planted area, especially patios, offices, commercial organizations, and an entryway into a house or building.

Which types of Million Bells should plant in hanging baskets?

The same with Petunias, Begonias, Impatiens, Fuchsia, Succulents, Lantana, and others. Calibrachoa, commonly known as Million Bells, is a popular hanging basket plant.

Million Bells are well-suited to containers, particularly hanging baskets, due to their dense, trailing habit, which sees cascades of color spill gently over the side. All most types of Calibrachoa grow best in containers or hanging baskets. A 10″ hanging basket with just 3 Million Bells plants can make for a stunning display of color and blossoms. 

How to choose proper hanging baskets?

How do you pick the  hanging baskets? is a necessary condition for Calibrachoa hanging baskets to thrive. Because there are so many different sorts and colors of Million Bells. Therefore, Hanging baskets must be appropriate for the shape and size of these flowers. Hanging baskets are also available in different styles, sizes, and materials.

Therefore, To choose the right Calibrachoa hanging basket, consider the size of your hanging basket and the size of the plants. Hanging baskets are an excellent way to add color and utilize vertical space.

The following are some of the most common types.:

Lined hanging baskets are a popular and traditional alternative. They are available in many colors and styles. Because lined baskets dry up faster than plastic baskets, make sure to include water-holding grains in your mix.

Black hanging baskets — these enormous, plain plastic baskets have broad tops that make planting easy and they hold a lot of water.

Bloom baskets are plastic baskets that hold a lot of water and have special ‘gates’ on the sides.  Bloom around baskets allows you to plant all the way around as well as on top.

Wall baskets – These are a wonderful alternative for a windy or exposed place because they attach directly to a house or shed wall rather than being suspended from a bracket. They’re also quite robust and don’t move around.

Where to plant Million Bells hanging baskets?

Calibrachoa hanging baskets like the sun. Because the plant thrives in direct sunlight, it’s an excellent choice for scorching patios, balcony and decks. They flourish in any place that receives at least 6-8 hours of daily sunlight, which means they’ll grow in a garden facing east, south, or west. But it can also tolerate partial shade, making it a one-of-a-kind container plant. The gradual, trailing growth of the Calibrachoa hanging basket. Wind is something that Million Bells despise. If they are exposed to too much wind, their smooth branches will snap.

When to plant Million Bells hanging baskets?

You should know that the optimal period to plant Calibrachoa is from spring to frost. The plant can be grown as an annual in colder areas or as a perennial in warmer climates and is hardy to USDA Zones 9-11.

Calibrachoa planted in the spring will benefit from the heat in the summer as the soil warms up, boosting root and foliage growth.

Furthermore, plant Calibrachoa hanging baskets in the fall; they will require frost protection until the middle or end of May. They are unlikely to survive a harsh winter.

How many Million Bells in a hanging basket?

The answer to the question “How many Million Bells in a Hanging Basket?” is that it depends on the size of your hanging basket and the size of the plants.

When planting a hanging basket, a basic rule of thumb is to use one plant per inch of basket diameter, or 12 plants every 30cm (12″) hanging basket.

If you’re buying Million Bells (Calibrachoa) in 4″ pots, plant three in a 12″ basket as a general rule. Make an equilateral triangle toward the pot’s center that is lovely and even. Planting in 3 groups forms a gorgeous circle.

How to plant million bells hanging baskets?

Step 1: Prepare and choose basket

The first step is to find a basket that is the right size for you. Plant 3 Million Bells in a 12″ pot if you’re buying them in 4″ pots. Make sure you have compost or a slow-release granular fertilizer on hand, as well as water, before you begin.

Step 2: Planting Calibrachoa hanging baskets

Carefully remove the plant from the container. Instead, pull it out by the stem.

Loosen any roots that are growing near the pot’s edge before planting. Dip the root ball into a shallow pan of water if the soil is dry. If you damp the root ball, it will be easier to separate the roots. Dip the root ball into a shallow pan of water if the soil is dry. It will be easier to separate the roots if you wet the root ball.

After that, you must incorporate compost or fertilizer into the soil.

Backfill the hole with the Calibrachoa plant.

After gently pressing down the earth around the root, water well.

Step 3: Place the pot and basket

Set the Million Bell plants back a little from the edge of the basket so that the roots can grow well into the pot’s middle. This will help them stay wet. Million Bells will flop right over the edge of any container if planted too close to the edge, rather than growing a little upward and then flowing over the pot.

Finally, you should hang the Calibrachoa hanging basket in a sunny spot to promote Calibrachoa development.

How to care for Calibrachoa hanging baskets? 

Light

The plant blooms best when it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight, but it can also handle partial shade, which is beneficial in hotter climates where plants that receive some shade are more likely to survive the summer months. When there isn’t enough sunlight, Million Bells often restrict blooming.

Watering

Watering is an important part of growing Calibrachoa hanging baskets successfully. Water your baskets once a day, and twice a day on particularly hot days. If they begin to wilt or appear drooping, they will most likely want water. Shade-loving baskets, like double impatiens, are an exception. They may need water every other day.

If they dry out, the leaves turn brown and crispy, and the branches lose their foliage. Most of the time, Million Bells will let you dry them out twice, but the third time will be their demise.

Feeling the weight of Million Bell hanging baskets is a fantastic way to make sure they’re hydrated enough.

Water hanging baskets at the soil level — tuck the hose or watering can’s end into the basket to keep the entire plant from becoming wet. Fungus and other illnesses are prevented by keeping flower leaves and foliage dry. When watering hanging baskets, water thoroughly until you notice water dripping from the pot’s bottom. Salts from fertilizer can build up at the bottom of the pot if water isn’t allowed to flow out, causing the leaves and flowers to burn.

Fertilizing

Because there is a finite amount of nutrients contained within the soil in the container, and part of those nutrients are lost as the water drips out of the pots. Therefore, replenishing nutrients is crucial for planters and hanging baskets.

Million Bells or Calibrachoa hanging baskets should be fertilized weekly. Use a water soluble fertilizer every two weeks to feed them. A favorite fertilizer for Million Bells is called ‘Nature’s Source’. It’s a natural fertilizer that is simple to use, gentle on plants with no burning and brightens blooms. ‘Miracle Grow’ is another fantastic option, as are other balanced fertilizers such as 20-20-20. If the leaves of your Calibrachoa plants are turning pale green or yellow, they are most likely deficient in nutrients, and a midweek fertilizer boost will help them return to deep green.

Pinching

Removing dead leaves, and pinching straggly, taking off old flowers, leggy plants back help plants grow stronger. Because the ultimate aim of flowers is to create seeds for reproduction, deadheading wrong flowers is essential. The plant continues to blossom by removing the dead flowers.

Check and prevent diseases

Perform a general top-to-bottom overall inspection of your Million Bells hanging basket every day — this doesn’t take long – do a simple check. Make it a point to note leaf color & flower health first.  Then look for wilting, curled, spotted, or yellowing leaves, as well as aged or malformed flowers.

Aphids love the blossoms of Million Bells, especially the yellow and purple varieties. Check the undersides of the leaves for aphids; aphids love to spread their eggs there.

Once we reach the middle or close of July, a consistent application of safer soap every ten days or so can help keep them at away. As a last resort, pesticides designed specifically for aphids may be required. Another thing to keep in mind is that aphids adore Maple trees. To reduce their transfer from the trees to the hanging basket, keep your Calibrachoa hanging baskets a good distance away from and avoid hanging it in Maple trees.

How to take care of Million Bells hanging baskets in winter?

Taking care of a million bells in the winter is crucial. Because if it is not properly cared for, it may perish in this frost. Million bells will not live in temperatures below 9 degrees Fahrenheit. 

During the winter, you can maintain Calibrachoa hanging baskets indoors. Dig up the plant carefully before the first frost, retaining as much of the root system as possible. Place in a cool, dry location that keeps above freezing, such as a garage. However, In warmer climates, leave your calibrachoa hanging baskets outside.

During the winter months, cut back the stems to about 2 inches (5 cm) above the earth and water sparingly. There are procedures you may take in moderate winter locations to help assure the resurrection of your Calibrachoa hanging baskets in the spring. Overwintering million bells is accomplished by pruning them back to within a few inches of the ground, raking up and discarding the trimmings, then covering with 2-3 inches (5-8 cm.) of mulch.  If you want this sun-loving plant to thrive, give it some extra light. Calibrachoa growing inside will require additional lighting. Grow lights are the most effective because they emit a wide spectrum of light, similar to the sun.There is no need to fertilize in the winter. The plant will go through a dormant period during which no flowers or new growth will appear. After fresh growth appears in the spring, fertilize.

Companion plants for Calibrachoa hanging baskets

Due to their small size, Calibrachoa hanging baskets make excellent companions for taller plants like purple fountain grass, salvias, geraniums, and Persian Shield, as well as other trailers like sweet potato vines, bacopas, and, of course, giant petunias.

Coral bells, angelonia, and loosestrife are all good companion plants for calibrachoa. You might also combine multiple different-colored calibrachoa cultivars in a container.

Q&A

Do Calibrachoa need to be deadheaded?

This is a “self-cleaning” plant, which means it doesn’t need to be deadheaded to maintain flowering; however, it will benefit from pruning and fertilizer boost around the end of the summer to reenergize the plant. It’s time to deadhead your plant if it’s gotten overgrown or lanky and has ceased blooming. Cutting down the calibrachoa will encourage new growth and more flowers.

Are Million Bells the same as petunias?

Petunias and million bells have some similar trail, spread, and mound. Million bells’ blooms like those of a petunia, therefore, they have another name is wild petunias. The blooms, unlike the petunia, are not sticky.Only a handful of the colors available are yellow, white, magenta, red, blue, pink, and violet. Petunias have larger flowers, whereas Millions bells have smaller blossoms and are simpler to care for. When the sun is shining, this flower does not wilt and has excellent rain and sun resilience.

Final thought

Million Bells is deserving of the title of queen of balcony flowers. Million bells hanging baskets is a favorite among gardeners because of its vivid displays of delicate blooms that make for a dreamy and attractive beauty. gardenhow.net hope you apply the methods for how to care for calibrachoa hanging baskets to your garden from this article. Thank you for reading!

Related posts:
Gardening knowledge for gardeners: Planting and Care for Calibrachoa (Million Bells)
How to start Calibrachoa (Million Bells) from seeds?
Discover Tips on Calibrachoa care: in the garden, in pots, in winter and hanging baskets