Growing Calibrachoa Organically

Calibrachoa (Calibrachoa parviflora) is a trailing petunia that is also known as Million Bells and Seaside Petunia. It’s a happy little plant that blooms prolifically all summer and performs its best under the summer sun. Calibrachoa won’t wilt in the heat like many other varieties of petunias, making it a great choice for a sunny, organic garden.

Planting Location

The more sun calibrachoa receivies, the more blooms they will produce. Select a location that is in full sun.

Plants grow equally well when planted in-ground or in containers, but will produce runners that need space to trail downwards or spread out laterally.

Soil Preparation

Since calibrachoa is a heavy blooming plant, it is also a heavy feeder. Create a fertile growing medium by mixing a good quality potting soil mix and compost at a 50/50 ratio. Potting soil should contain perlite and peat to help keep plants fed and hydrated.

Planting

Calibrachoa plants produce very few seeds, so they are typically purchased as plants.

When planting in-ground, dig a eight inch by six inch hole (save removed soil to use elsewhere) and place two-three inches of prepared soil in bottom of hole. Remove calibrachoa plant from container and place in center of prepared hole. Fill in planting hole with more potting soil mix. Firm soil gently around roots and water well.

For container planting, select a container that is 8-10 inches deep and equally as wide. Add two-three inches of prepared soil in container bottom, place plant in the center and finish filling in with soil. Water well.

Add a thin layer of organic mulch on top of soil to help retain moisture.

After Care

Remove spent blooms as needed to keep plant looking nice.

Water plant early in the day and provide plenty of sunshine to keep the thick foliage and the flowers dry to prevent rot root.

This heavy-feeding plant needs a steady supply of food, so keep it well fed with compost tea. Mix a garden trowel of compost (or manure) in a five gallon bucket of rain water and place in a sunny location. Allow ‘tea’ to steep for a couple of days, then use once a week to water calibrachoa.

A side dressing of compost can be added in mid-summer to kept soil fertile and plants growing strong.

The Zinnia Garden: A Colorful Display of Summer Blooms

Step into a world of vibrant colors and endless charm with the Zinnia Garden, a captivating display of summer blooms that will transform your garden into a breathtaking spectacle. Zinnias, with their diverse varieties, effortless propagation, and stunning beauty, is a gardener’s delight. From the delicate petals of the Lilliput zinnias to the towering elegance of the Giant zinnias, this article will guide you through the captivating world of these summer darlings. Discover the secrets of successful cultivation, from seed propagation to nurturing cuttings, and delve into pest and disease management. Prepare to be enchanted by the Zinnia Garden, where nature’s artistry unfolds in a symphony of colors and forms.

Exploring Different Types of Zinnia

With their vibrant hues and diverse forms, Zinnia captivate the hearts of gardeners and nature enthusiasts alike. Four stand out as emblems of their captivating beauty among the numerous zinnia varieties.

Zinnia elegans, the most ubiquitous of the zinnia clan, boasts large, striking flowers that adorn gardens in a kaleidoscope of colors. With their stately presence, these zinnias make a bold statement in any garden setting. Most grow 24″ or taller.

Zinnia angustifolia, in contrast, exhibits a more petite charm. Its narrow leaves and smaller flowers lend an air of delicate grace to any garden. These compact zinnias are ideal for smaller spaces or adding elegance to borders and containers. Short, bushy growth habit.

Zinnia haageana, also known as the cactus zinnia, stands out with its unique, spiky petals resembling cactus. This zinnia variety adds an element of intrigue and texture to the garden, making it a conversation starter among gardening enthusiasts. Most grow 24″ or taller.

Last but not least, Zinnia marylandica brings an effortless charm to the garden with its profusion of single or semi-double flowers. These zinnias, available in various colors, are known for their hardiness and adaptability, making them popular among gardeners of all levels. 12″-18″ tall and 18″-24″ wide growth habit.

Zinnia Propagation: Seeds, Cuttings, or Transplants

When to Plant Zinnia Seeds

Seeds can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost or be sown directly outdoors after the last spring frost. If starting seeds indoors, they should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept in a warm, sunny location. Seeds will germinate quickly in 7-10 days.

How to Plant Zinnia Seeds

Planting zinnia seeds is easy! Scatter seeds over soil and cover with soil or vermiculite until seeds can not be seen. Water well but not enough to float seeds to the surface.

Growing Zinnias from Cuttings

Cuttings can be taken from healthy zinnia plants in the spring or summer. Cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and taken from the tips of the stems. Remove the bottom leaves from the cuttings and dip them in the rooting hormone. Cuttings can be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept in a warm, sunny location. Cuttings will root in 2-3 weeks.

Once zinnias have been planted, they should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells. Zinnias also benefit from being fertilized every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage new blooms.

Zinnia transplants are readily available at many local independent garden centers. It’s an easy way to get a jump start in the garden.

Zinnia Pests and Diseases

Zinnias are susceptible to several pests and diseases, but these can be prevented and treated. One of the most common pests that affect zinnias is aphids. Aphids are small, green insects that feed on the sap of plants. They can cause leaves to curl and turn yellow, and they can also transmit diseases. To prevent aphids, spray your zinnia plants with a strong stream of water or use an insecticidal soap. If you find aphids on your plants, you can treat them with a neem oil spray or a pyrethrin-based insecticide.

Another common pest that affects zinnias is spider mites. Spider mites are tiny, red, or brown insects that spin webs on the undersides of leaves. They can cause leaves to turn yellow and drop off, and they can also transmit diseases. To prevent spider mites, spray your zinnia plants with a strong stream of water or use an insecticidal soap. If you find spider mites on your plants, you can treat them with a neem oil spray or a miticide.

Powdery mildew and bacterial leaf spot are common diseases that affect zinnias. Powdery mildew is a white, powdery fungus that grows on the leaves of plants. It can cause leaves to turn yellow and drop off and reduce the plant’s ability to photosynthesize. Bacterial leaf spot is a black, water soaked fungus that usually starts near the base of the plant. To prevent, you can water your zinnia plants at the base of the plant and avoid getting water on the leaves. You can also spray your plants with a fungicide. If you find either of these diseases on your plants, you can treat them with a neem oil spray or a copper fungicide.

Following these tips can help prevent and treat pests and diseases on your zinnias and keep your plants healthy and beautiful all summer.

Growing Geraniums Organically

The popular and colorful geranium (Pelargonium) is a sure sign that summer has arrived. Geraniums come in many forms, colors and growing heights with well over 400 species of plants that are in the family of Cranesbills.

Easy-to-grow plant thrives in an organic garden and will provide bloom color all summer. Geraniums are considered to be an annual, but typically behave as a perennials when grown organically.

Growing Location

Select a sunny location that has well-draining soil. Geraniums grow well in containers or when planted in-ground.

Geraniums should be planted on the day of purchase, so it’s best to have your garden soil prepared ahead of time and be ready to plant immediately.

Soil Preparation

Prepare soil by tilling or spading 8-10 inches deep, or use a container 8-10 inches deep.

Mix in six inches of compost, well rotted manure or peat moss to the tilled soil ensure good drainage and plenty of organic food for the plants.

Prepare soil for container by creating an organic growing medium from a 50-50 mixture of good quality potting soil and compost.

How To Plant

For plants, dig holes that are the same depth as the roots so plant roots will just barely be under the surface of the soil.

Place a handful of compost in the bottom of each planting hole. Gently remove plant from container to keep the root ball intact and place in prepared hole.

Gently firm the soil around plant base and leave a 1/2 inch indentation in the soil around the plant to act as a catch basin for water. Water plant well and add two inches of an organic mulch around plant stem to retain water and prevent weeds.

For seeds, plant seeds in prepared soil 8-10 inches apart. Cover with half an inch of compost and water well. Keep soil moist until seeds germinate. When plants reach six inches high, apply a 2 inch layer of organic mulch around the plants.

After Care

Geraniums like moist, but not soggy soil. keep plants well-hydrated and well-fed by creating a batch of organic compost tea.

Mix a garden trowel of compost (or manure) in a five gallon bucket of rain water and place in a sunny location. Allow ‘tea’ to steep for a couple of days, then use to water geraniums.

A side dressing of compost can be added in mid-summer to kept soil fertile and plants growing strong.