Calibrachoa is a micropetunia that is distinguished by luxurious flowering and does not require heavy watering. Previously, such flowers were grown only from cuttings. And now it is possible to derive a caliberhoa plant in another way. Growing from seeds greatly simplifies the distribution of this species. The caliberhoa mixture is selected so that you can grow them in container plantations, on the garden plot, on your balcony in bright pots and pots.
The Million Bells series includes about 18 varieties with a wide variety of colors: dark yellow, pink, purple, pink-lilac, cherry, lemon yellow, red and raspberry. Initially, in nature, caliberhoa flowers were a purple hue - this is their natural color. Later, today, the plant was interested in gardeners, and breeding varieties appeared with brown, yellow, blue, white, red and pink flowers.
Calibracha has the main distinguishing feature, which is that the flowers of this plant have a "throat". It has a color different from the corolla and may be brown or yellow.
Usually the garden flowers of the caliber gauge are regular in shape and resemble the bell of a petunia. To date, breeders have bred terry varieties, which somewhat lose in beauty and splendor to simple specimens.
What is the difference between calibrachoa and petunia?
Many flora lovers acquire a variety of and sometimes even rare plants at home, from simple cacti to giant canans. Each plant has its own subspecies, which has a completely different structure. For example, you can take ordinary petunia. This beautiful flower has a kind of relative, but significantly different in genetic data. The name of this flower is caliberhoa, growing from the seeds of this plant is very popular today.
Calibrachoa has recently appeared in the homes of many flora lovers. The external differences of this plant from petunia were small, so many saw it in it. And even scientists biologists attributed this species to the genus petunia.
But in 1990, scientists were able to prove that caliberhoa flowers differ significantly from petunia in DNA structure. So, if we look at petunia, we can conclude that it has only 14 chromosomes, unlike caliberhoa, which has 18. So, by scientific standards, we can assume that these plants are completely different, although they have related ties.
Differences of plants petunia, caliberhoa
What is the difference between these plants?
Calibrachoa flower in diameter of only about 3 centimeters.
The number of flowers she has is much greater than that of petunias.
This amazing plant has its own well-known varietal series, for example, such a name as "a million bluebells." This species can produce shoots even with minimal comfort and without land - up to one meter.
No matter how amazing the caliber plant may be, still little is known to ordinary consumers about it. Therefore, this flower may be sold under other names, such as surfinia and ampelous petunia.
The difference between surfinia and caliberhoa
Flower size. It is usually small in size, but in minutunia it can also be up to 3 centimeters.
The neck (pharynx) at the base of the corolla has a bright yellow color.
Leaves of caliber gauge are elongated, about 1 centimeter wide and 4 centimeters long, covered with small hairs. This is the main difference, since the stem is also covered with a small fluff.
The caliberhoa stem is more like a shrub trunk, prone to woodiness, unlike petunia, in which the stem is grassy.
Cultivation and care
Like all other plants, he loves sunny color and caliberhoa. Growing from seeds greatly facilitates the spread of this species. Below we consider in detail the main points of care for this extraordinary plant.
Bloom
Caliberhoa garden flowers are very similar to petunia flowers, only they are slightly smaller, their diameter is approximately 3 centimeters, with a flat edge of the petal. The natural color of the flowers is purple, but now there are many varieties with different colors: red, white, yellow and brownish. In many varieties, the dark vein in the center is clearly visible, and the base of the petal itself is more brightly colored.
If you want the gauge to delight you with flowering constantly, then as soon as you notice that the flowers begin to wither, you need to pick them, because otherwise the seeds will be tied on it. Flowering usually becomes weaker towards the end of summer, during this period it is recommended to prune the stems. Thanks to these manipulations, branching and development of new kidneys is stimulated.
Foliage
The leaves are much smaller than that of petunias (about 3-4 centimeters long and 1 centimeter wide), lanceolate. All green parts of the culture are covered with a hard, but not dense cover of hairs.
The soil
Calibracha feels better on loamy and sandy loam soil, but can grow on any fertile soil. It tolerates the additive in the soil of compost or humus, but not manure. In acidic soils, lime (250 g per m) must be added. Calibrachoa is usually placed in pots or containers with nutritious soil, which consists of humus, peat, sand, leaf or turf land. The soil should absorb moisture well and be loose. Be sure to add mineral fertilizers that dissolve slowly, and a hydrogel. Drainage should be put on the bottom. About 1 meter sprouts about 60 plants.
Lighting and temperature
For successful growth and flowering, the plant needs a sufficient amount of heat and light. Calibrachoa grows well on sun-lit terraces or southeast or south-facing balconies. But this flower is afraid of withering heat. Located in direct sunlight during the day, a caliber gauge can burn out. It is recommended that ambient light be provided during this watch.
Place in the house
Caliberhoa has very fragile stems and flowers, a strong wind can damage or disrupt them. Therefore, the unglazed balcony on the upper floors is not suitable for the maintenance of this plant. The most favorable place for growing calibracho is a place protected from any wind.
Seedlings caliberhoa. When to sow?
Tanks such as hanging baskets, balcony drawers or flowerpots can be used to plant calibrachoa. To make the plant feel comfortable in a new place, it is recommended to use a light substrate with a large amount of baking powder. At least three liters of land should be placed on one container.
In order to achieve the maximum flowering period of plants, the best way would be for caliber cultivation from seeds. The landing period is mid-January or February. It is imperative to grow in well-lit rooms, as this plant loves sunlight. Planting of caliber grua large varieties of flowers is favorable in February - March. Depending on the planting, flowers can be obtained in April, mid-May or June.
Humidity
The need for wet soil is much less for calibracho than, for example, for petunia. On the contrary, moisture for this species is unacceptable. If you overdo it with watering the plant, its tender roots will immediately rot, and the caliber will die. But she loves frequent spraying. On particularly hot summer days, it is recommended to spray the plant at least three times a day.
Fertilizer
If the caliber is in the growing season, it must be fertilized regularly. Feeding is enough only once a week. When the plant already has buds or flowers, it is better to choose fertilizers, which include a large amount of potassium and phosphorus.
Breeding
The plant propagates in two ways:
When propagating calibraho seeds, no one can guarantee you that the same magnificent, beautiful and healthy plant will grow from them as the main one. Instances emerging from seeds may bloom poorly; the flowers themselves may not be the same color and size as the main plant.
A more productive option is the propagation of calibracho by cuttings. The process is quite simple. At the beginning of autumn, apical cuttings of about 4 centimeters in length are cut from the main plant. In these cuttings, the lower leaves are removed and planted in a moist substrate. To accelerate root growth, you should equip a greenhouse or simply cover the cuttings with a plastic cup, airing the plants daily for several minutes.
Caliberhoa cuttings take root quickly in the greenhouse. After which they need care, as with ordinary adult caliberhoas. They calmly survive the winter, and in the spring from the bushes formed they again cut off the top and root. From these fresh tops and grow caliberhoa.
Appointment
This plant looks great in flowerpots, in hanging containers, bright flower pots. It goes well with ampelous plants.