What to Plant in March in Alabama

What to Plant in March in Alabama

Posted on by Alabama Grown

If you’re like me, you’re anxiously waiting for spring to arrive. The daffodils are starting to peek up through the soil, and the trees are beginning to bud. But even though it’s still chilly outside, that doesn’t mean you can’t start planting in your garden! In this blog post, we will discuss what plants do well in March in Alabama. We’ll also give you a few tips on how to care for them. So if you’re ready to get your hands dirty, keep reading!

One of the most important things to remember when planting in Alabama is that it is still possible for frost to occur. So, you’ll want to wait to plant anything that is sensitive to cold until the danger of frost has passed. That being said, there are still plenty of plants that will do well in cooler weather. Here are a few of our favorites:

Vegetables

Lettuce: Lettuce is a cool weather crop that does well in Alabama. It can be planted as early as February and will continue to produce until the weather gets too hot. Just be sure to keep an eye on the temperatures and protect your plants if there is a chance of frost.

Spinach: Spinach is another cool weather crop that can be planted in February or March. It will continue to produce until the weather gets too hot. Just like lettuce, you’ll want to keep an eye on the temperatures and protect your plants if there is a chance of frost.

Radishes: Radishes are a great crop to plant in March. They do well in cool weather and can be harvested just a few weeks after planting.

Carrots: Carrots are another great option for March planting. They take a little longer to mature than other cool weather crops, but they are well worth the wait!

Flowers

Petunia: Petunias will tolerate cold weather and a light frost. They should be kept dry and avoid water sitting on the foliage.

Calibrachoa: Calibrachoa (ka·luh·bruh·kow·uh) will tolerate cold weather and a light frost. They should be kept dry and avoid water sitting on the foliage.

Now that you know what to plant in March, let’s talk about how to care for your new plants. One of the most important things to remember is to not over water during cold periods. Alabama can be quite wet in early Spring, so make sure to give your plants enough water to stay healthy but not too much. Also, be sure to fertilize them every few weeks. This will help them grow strong and produce lots of flowers or vegetables!

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start planting! Your garden will thank you for it.

Gardening with Spring Annuals in Alabama

Posted on by Alabama Grown

Gardening with Spring Annuals in Alabama

Planting annual plants is a great way to bring color and vibrancy to your garden. But heading to the garden center can be a daunting experience. With so many types of plants, it’s hard to know which ones are right for you and your needs. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced gardener, here is a guide to help you choose the best plants at your garden center.

The first step in choosing the best plants is knowing what climate zone your home is located in. Northern Alabama is currently zone 7 and Southern Alabama is zone 8 with parts of Mobile and Baldwin counties in zone 9. Different climates have different temperatures and moisture levels that affect how well certain plants will grow.

Hibiscus Ballet Slippers

Shopping for the Right Plant

Once you know which type of plants are suitable for your climate, it’s time to start looking for healthy specimens at the garden center. When selecting a plant, check if it has white healthy roots and robust foliage growth; avoid any plants with yellowing leaves or wilting stems as they may already be diseased or stressed. Also, look for signs that pests may be infesting the plant.

Before bringing any plant home, it’s important to understand its specific requirements so you can provide it with proper care once it’s planted in your garden. For example, some plants require full sun while others prefer shade; some need more water than others while some tolerate drought better than most; some need regular fertilizing while others don’t require any additional nutrients at all—these are all factors that should be taken into consideration when selecting a plant from the garden center. Doing research ahead of time or talking with garden center staff will ensure that you choose only those plants that fit into your existing landscape and match your gardening style and skill level.

To Bloom or Not to Bloom is the Question

If you’ve ever gone to the nursery or garden center and seen the lush, vibrant blooms of plants that have already begun flowering, you may be tempted to buy those immediately. After all, who wouldn’t want a beautiful garden full of color? But marketing has created a myth that blooming plants are better than plants not yet in bloom. And it couldn’t be further from the truth! In fact, plants that have yet to begin blooming are better to handle the stress of transplanting.

When you transplant a plant, it experiences physiological stress—it essentially goes into shock as it adjusts to its new environment. When a plant is experiencing stress, it takes energy away from processes like rooting, foliage growth, flowering or fruit production. That means if you transplant a blooming plant, there will be less energy available for root and foliage growth because so much was used up producing flowers. On the other hand, if you transplant a non-blooming plant, more of its energy can go into rooting and foliage growth before producing flowers.

Plants not yet in bloom offer numerous advantages over blooming plants when it comes to successful gardens—from less stress due to an abundance of energy available for root and foliage growth after transplanting, to improved success rates due to reduced disease issues from stress. So next time you head out shopping for your garden or landscaping project, remember that although those beautiful blooms may look enticing now, non-blooming plants can provide even greater success and blooming rewards down the road!

Adding Compost and Fertilizer to Improve Soil Quality

Have you ever noticed that some gardens are lush and vibrant, while others look more like a barren wasteland? The difference is often due to the soil quality. Poor soil can lead to unhealthy plants, low yields, and discolored foliage. Fortunately, there’s an easy fix: composting or adding fertilizer. Let’s explore how these two methods can help improve your soil!

Composting is the process of breaking down organic matter such as leaves and kitchen scraps into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. It’s an easy way to add beneficial bacteria and nutrients to your garden without spending money on costly fertilizers or additives. Compost also helps improve the structure of your soil by increasing its water holding capacity. Not only will this make your plants healthier, but it will help reduce water waste as well! Additionally, composting is incredibly easy—all you need is a large container (or even just a pile) and some kitchen scraps or yard clippings.

Fertilizer is another great way to amend your soil. Unlike composting, which relies on bacteria and fungi to break down materials over time, fertilizer adds nutrients directly to the soil in the form of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other micronutrients. Applying fertilizer regularly can provide a quick boost of nutrition for your plants and encourage growth. However, it’s important not to overdo it; too much fertilizer can burn plants or cause them to become leggy due to excessive phosphorus levels.

Whether you choose composting or fertilizing (or both!), improving the quality of your soil with either method will result in healthier plants that yield greater harvests than before. By taking the time to amend your soil now with either compost or fertilizer, you’ll be able to enjoy a more bountiful garden for years to come! Whether you’re a beginner gardener looking for tips on how to get started or an experienced green thumb looking for ways optimize their current gardening efforts, adding compost or fertilizer should be high up on the list of things that you do!

Deadhead Flowers for Continuous Blooms

Did you know that deadheading flowers can help keep your garden looking healthy and vibrant? Deadheading is the process of removing spent blooms from plants to encourage new growth. It’s an important yet simple gardening task that can have a big impact on your garden’s appearance.

Deadheading flowers can help promote new growth, create fuller plants with more blooms, and improve the overall plant health. When you deadhead a flower, it redirects nutrients back into the plant instead of allowing them to be used in the development of seeds. This means that energy is directed towards creating more blooms and foliage. Additionally, by removing spent flowers, you are reducing chances of disease.

Start by snipping off any wilted or brown flowers near the base of the flower with sharp scissors or pruners. Be sure not to cut too far down into any unopened buds or plant stems. Once all of the old flowers have been removed, take a few steps back and check if there are any more faded flowers that need removing before moving onto another plant in your garden!

Deadheading spent flowers is an essential gardening task for keeping your garden looking vibrant and healthy throughout the growing season. By removing spent blossoms from plants as soon as they begin to fade, you can promote new growth and enjoy longer lasting blooms in your garden!

Following these tips can help ensure your spring annuals have the best chance for survival and can put on a show all season long!

Planting and Growing Potatoes in Alabama

Planting and Growing Potatoes in Alabama

Posted on by Alabama Grown

If you’re an Alabamian looking to plant potatoes, the timing of your planting is essential. Plant too soon and the cold temperatures may cause damage to the crop; plant too late and there may not be enough time for a successful harvest before Summer temperatures. Fortunately, with a little knowledge and planning, you can ensure that your potato-planting project will yield a bountiful harvest.

When To Plant Potatoes In Alabama

The best time to plant potatoes in Alabama is typically between early February and early March. This gives them plenty of time to fully develop before the hot summer months arrive. It’s important to keep in mind that each variety of potato has its own individual needs when it comes to planting times, so be sure to check the instructions on your seed potato for specifics.

Before you start planting, make sure that your soil is ready. The ideal soil temperature should be between 55°F and 65°F (12-18°C). You can check this by taking a 6 or 8 inch deep soil sample from several different points in your garden area and measuring the temperature with a thermometer. Once the soil has reached this temperature range, you can begin planting.

One important thing to remember when planting potatoes in Alabama is that there are two main types—early varieties and late varieties—and each requires different timing for optimal success. Early varieties are best planted early, while late varieties should wait until mid-March or later. Additionally, certain areas within Alabama may require different planting times due to differences in climate or terrain; talk to local gardeners or specialists at your local garden center for advice specific to your area if needed.

In conclusion, if you’re an Alabamian looking to plant potatoes this year, timing is key! Aim for February through March as an optimal time frame for the majority of potato varieties. However, always double check the instructions on your seed potato before getting started and don’t forget that certain areas within Alabama may require different planting times due to differences in climate or terrain. With a little knowledge and planning you can make sure that your potato-planting project yields a delicious harvest!

Planting Potatoes in the Right Soil

Potatoes are a hardy crop that grows well in a variety of soils and climates. However, growing them successfully means understanding which type of soil is best for planting potatoes. Let’s take a look at what makes the perfect soil for planting your potatoes.

The ideal soil for growing potatoes is loamy soil with good drainage. Loam is a combination of sand, silt, and clay particles that help provide structure to the soil and enable it to hold both water and nutrients. This type of soil also has plenty of organic matter, which helps create an environment that encourages healthy potato growth.

If your soil isn’t quite as loamy as you would like it to be, there are ways to improve it before planting your potatoes. You can do this by adding compost or manure to the soil, which will help add more organic material and improve its texture over time. You should also make sure your soil has plenty of drainage by testing it with a shovel or spade and making sure it doesn’t become saturated when you water it.

The pH level of your soil is another important factor when it comes to growing potatoes successfully. The optimal pH level for potato plants is between 4.8 and 5.4, but they will still grow if the pH level is slightly higher or lower than this range as long as other environmental factors are favorable for their growth. To test the pH level of your soil, use an inexpensive testing kit from your local gardening store or nursery.

The Basics of Planting and Harvesting Potatoes

When planting potatoes, you want to make sure that they are buried deep enough in the soil so that their stems have plenty of room to grow and develop. Generally speaking, you want your potatoes planted 4-6 inches down into the soil. However, this may vary depending on your climate and type of soil you’re working with. If your soil is heavy and moist, you may need to plant them closer to six inches down; if it is light and sandy, closer to four inches will do.

You also want to make sure that you leave about 12-18 inches between each potato when planting them in a row. This gives each potato ample space for its roots and stem growth. This spacing also applies when planting multiple rows of potatoes—it’s important not to overcrowd them! Potato plants will yield more abundantly when given plenty of space.

It usually take about 70-80 days from planting for your potatoes to be ready for harvest time! When harvesting potatoes, it’s important not to dig too deeply as this can harm or damage the tubers while they’re still growing underground. The best way is just use a garden fork or hoe around the base of the plant gently pushing away some dirt until you see a few tubers near the surface which can then be easily pulled up out of the ground by hand. Be sure not wait too long though – once potato tops turn yellow and begin dying off it means that they are done growing and any remaining tubers left in the ground won’t mature enough before winter sets in so they must be harvested quickly!

Planting potatoes doesn’t have to be difficult or intimidating – if you know what depth you should bury them at and give them adequate spacing between plants then you’ll have no problem achieving a bountiful harvest come harvest time! Just remember: Plant your potatoes 4-6 inches down into the soil with 12-18 inches between each potato when planting in rows or beds, wait until 70-80 days from planting time has passed before harvesting, and use a garden fork or hoe around the base of your plants when harvesting instead of digging deeply so as not disturb any still-growing tubers underground! With these tips in mind, happy gardening!

The Truth About Fertilizer: Debunking the Myths

Posted on by Alabama Grown

The Truth About Fertilizer: Debunking the Myths

There are a lot of myths created by marketing companies about fertilizer. Marketing has convinced people that it is some kind of magical substance that will make their plants grow big and strong overnight. The truth is, however, that fertilizer is just like any other tool- it can be used effectively or it can be misused. In this blog post, we will debunk the marketing myths about fertilizer and discuss how you can use it to improve your garden!

What do the fertilizer numbers really mean?

All growing plants need essential elements to grow to their full genetic potential. The NPK, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, makes up the primary nutrients plants need. The other elements needed by plants are called minor elements, micronutrients or secondary nutrients. These include: sulfur, magnesium, calcium, iron, manganese, copper, zinc, boron, molybdenum and chlorine.

Fertilizer comes in different NPK ratios. The number on the bag or bottle is the percentage of how much of each kind of nutrient is in it. For example, 10-10-10 has 10% of Nitrogen, 10% of Phosphorus, and 10% of Potassium.

  • Nitrogen is the most important nutrient and helps with leaf growth.
  • Phosphorus helps plants to use and store energy.
  • Potassium helps with overall plant health and plants’ abilities to resist disease.

Nitrogen comes in many forms, but can only be used by plants in ammonium or nitrate form. Urea, the cheapest form, must first be broken down to ammonium before plants can utilize it. Ammonium is fast-acting and can burn plants if not used correctly. Nitrate is the safest and most effective form of nitrogen for plants. Excessive amounts of urea can build up over colder months and burn plants once the weather warms up due to increased break down to ammonium form.

Phosphorus is essential for plant growth and is found in every cell of a plant. Marketing Myth: High levels of phosphorus make plants bloom more aka bloom booster. Fact: Phosphorus helps plants to use and store energy, but too much phosphorus can make plants weak and unhealthy. Excess phosphorus easily combines with minor elements and prevents their uptake by plants, leading to minor element deficiencies.

Potassium is found in all plant tissues and is important for overall plant health and the plant’s ability to resist disease. It is associated with the movement of water, nutrients and carbohydrates in plant tissue.

When to apply fertilizer?

plant nutrition deficiency

The best time to apply fertilizer is when plants are actively growing. This is typically in the spring and summer, but can also be in the fall for certain plants. Applying fertilizer to late in the growing cycle can make plants more susceptible to cold damage and disease. Fertilizer applied to dormant plants can actually do more harm than good because the plant cannot utilize the nutrients and the excess nutrients build up in the soil. The excess nutrients can also leach through the soil and contaminate groundwater.

Plants can tell you when and what type of fertilizer to use. The location of yellowing leaves can indicate a lack of several types of nutrients, iron deficiency will show in newer leaves while nitrogen and magnesium deficiency will show in older leaves first. Older leaves turning purple can be a sign of low phosphorus.

Other factors that affect fertilizer

Soil pH plays a big part in the availability of nutrient up take by plants. Most nutrients are available to plants with a soil pH range of 5.6-6.2. Some plants grow better in the lower range and other prefer the higher range. Petunia and calibrachoa are two types of annuals that prefer the lower range and will quickly show iron deficiency above 5.8 pH. Geraniums and marigolds prefer the higher range and show iron toxicity below 5.8 pH.

Hardy Hibiscus: How to Grow and Care for These Magnificent Flowers

Posted on by Alabama Grown

Hardy Hibiscus, Rose Mallow, Swamp Mallow, Hibiscus moscheutos

If you’re looking for a beautiful, long-blooming flower to add to your garden, look no further than the hardy hibiscus! These magnificent blooms come in a variety of colors, and can be grown in almost any climate. In this blog post, we will discuss how to grow and care for these flowers. We’ll also provide tips on choosing the right variety for your needs. So read on to learn more about these amazing plants!

What are Hardy Hibiscus?

Hardy hibiscus are a type of flowering plant that is native to tropical and subtropical regions. They are known for their large, showy flowers, which can be up to 12 inches in diameter! Hardy hibiscus come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, red, and purple. These flowers typically bloom from late summer to early fall, and their blooms can last for up to two weeks.

Where to Plant Hardy Hibiscus?

Hardy hibiscus can be grown in almost any climate, Zone 5-9, as long as they are planted in an area that receives full sun. They prefer well-drained soil, and will need to be watered regularly during the growing season. When choosing a location to plant your hardy hibiscus, make sure to select an area that is large enough to accommodate the plant’s mature size. These plants can grow to be up to six feet tall and four feet wide, so they will need plenty of space to thrive!

How to Care for Hardy Hibiscus?

Hardy hibiscus are relatively low-maintenance plants, but there are a few things you can do to ensure that they thrive. First, make sure to deadhead the flowers regularly to encourage new blooms. Secondly, fertilize your plants once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Lastly, cut the plants back to about two feet in height in late fall to encourage new growth in the spring.

What do you do with hardy hibiscus in the winter?

North Alabama, you may need to provide additional protection, such as wrapping the plant in burlap or placing it in a protected area. Central and South Alabama should need no protection.

With a little care, hardy hibiscus can provide you with beautiful blooms for many years to come! So don’t hesitate to add these plants to your garden today.

Peach Trees in Alabama

Posted on by Alabama Grown

When to Plant Peach Trees in Alabama

When selecting a peach tree to grow in your garden, it is important to choose the variety that is best suited for your area and purpose. Peach trees are originally from China and can be temperamental with their blossoms. Some peach trees are more suitable for fresh eating, while others are better for canning and making preserves. There are hundreds of peach varieties, each one adapted to a particular region or purpose. Peach trees are best planted November until March in Alabama.

Choosing the Right Peach Tree

Don’t bother with a tree that does not grow well in our Alabama climate. If possible, buy peach trees that were grown locally instead of mail-ordering peach trees for your garden. If you purchase peach tress through the mail, they are likely to have trouble adjusting to the climate changes upon arrival. They may also not do well in our hot or humid climate.

You’ll want a peach tree that produces flavorful fruit with a pleasing texture and color. You will also need fruits large enough to be worth picking and processing. Peaches should not fall from the tree before you have a chance to pick them either. Sugar content will vary between peach varieties as well as harvesting time.

Select peach trees that have low susceptibility for peach leaf curl. The peach leaf curl pathogen will damage peach leaves and stunt peach tree growth. Peach leaf curl is a disease that is very common in most peach-producing regions of the world . It’s caused by a fungus. Some peach varieties are resistant or less susceptible for peach leaf curl, but all peach trees can become infected eventually if conditions are right.

Avoid peach trees that are susceptible to peach tree borer. The peach tree borer is an insect pest of peach trees that can kill the peach tree if left untreated.

Growing a Peach Tree

Plant peach trees in full sun for maximum peach tree growth. Peach trees require well-draining soil that is neither too acidic or alkaline, but they also do great in any type of soil as long as it drains well. Add decomposed organic peach tree mulch around peach tree roots to maintain moisture levels during dry seasons and to help your peach tree survive the summer heat. Look for water-stressed peach trees by observing drooping leaves or wilting branches.

Pruning peach trees correctly is important in order to get the best harvest from your tree. Pruning also helps maintain the shape of the tree and keeps it healthy. In general, prune peach trees in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged branches and thin out the tree to allow light and air to circulate. Cut back inward-growing branches and remove any suckers (branches that grow from the rootstock). If your peach tree is not producing fruit, you may need to do more drastic pruning, including removing the entire top of the tree.

When planting a peach tree, be sure to use a high-quality, balanced fertilizer. A 10-10-10 fertilizer is a good option and should be applied at planting and then again every six weeks. In addition, you can also apply a layer of compost around the base of the tree each year. This will help to keep the soil healthy and promote strong growth.

When to Plant Peach Trees in Alabama

When to Plant Okra in Alabama

Posted on by Alabama Grown

When to Plant Okra in Alabama

Okra or Lady’s finger is a popular vegetable that is widely grown in tropical and sub-tropical regions across the world. It has been a staple food for many people in African, Asian and Indian communities for centuries. With regular care and right growing conditions, okra plants can be productive throughout the Alabama growing season, even during summer months.

The key to growing okra successfully in your garden is selecting the right variety that suits the climatic conditions of your area. We’ve selected Clemson Spineless & Okinawa Pink for Alabama. The plant thrives in warm and moist weather and does not tolerate frost. Unlike many other vegetables, it does not need well-drained soil and grows well in heavy clay or sandy soils. However, you should make sure that the soil is not water-logged as this can lead to root rot.

Okra seeds can be direct sown in the garden or started indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. Sow the seeds 1/2 inch deep in moist, well-drained soil and keep them warm (70-80 degrees F). Once the seedlings emerge, thin them to 12-18 inches apart. Alabama garden centers can have seeds and plants available from Alabama Grown.

The plants will start bearing flowers and fruits 60-90 days after planting. The fruits are best harvested when they are 3-4 inches long and still tender. You can pick them every 2-3 days to encourage more fruiting.

What are the Crystals on Okra Plants?

While okra are self-pollinating with both male and female parts on the same flower. The plant secrets sugary sap that forms crystals to draw ants for pollination.

Why are Ants on Okra Plants?

The ants are there to help pollinate the flowers. The plants secret a sugary sap to draw the ants to the plants.

When to Plant Strawberries in Alabama

Posted on by Alabama Grown

When to Plant Strawberries in Alabama

Before you start planting strawberry plants, it’s important to check their hardiness zone. Strawberries are a perennial plant that can be grown year round in zones 5-9. For zones 4 & 10, strawberries are considered an annual plant which means they must be replanted each year. Check out this list of states with their corresponding strawberry hardiness zone! Alabama is Zone 7.

In this blog post, we’ll look at the strawberry planting zone and how to successfully plant strawberries. We will also discuss what causes frost and why it is important to protect your plants from frost.

What type of soil should I use when planting my berries?

Strawberries grow best in deep, well-drained soil with lots of extra organic matter mixed in. When planting them, stagger the plants so there is equal ground between plants for better air circulation around the berries themselves. They also work well with trellising for increased sunlight and ventilation. If you need to keep them inside over the winter months, choose pots with at least 10 inches of depth (with plenty of drainage holes) and fill them about two thirds full; then stop watering when it gets cold outside around October or November.

How to Plant Strawberry Plants?

Depending on the variety, strawberries need to be planted 6-12 inches apart; however, they should still be pruned back when they get too leggy. Cut them back by 30% of their overall size for best results. The runners (branch that grow outwards) can also be trimmed at this time.

When and how should I water my strawberries?

Water strawberries regularly, especially if they’re planted in spring or summer. During periods of heavy rain, you may need to stop watering every day, but after a few weeks it should be back to normal. Too much water can lessen the berry flavor and cause the berries to burst.

The most obvious way to protect strawberry plants from frost is to choose varieties that are able to withstand these frosty conditions. Some exceptions include “Chandler” (zone 5-9), “Midnight” (zone 4-7) and “Arctic Choice” (5). Planting strawberries in raised beds or containers helps with aeration of roots which aids their systems, like circulation, that work together with colder weather protection. Growing strawberries in organic mulch also helps with this because it protects the soil from temperatures that are too low, thus creating a warmer microclimate for the roots. This is especially helpful during winter or hard freezes when temperatures can drop quickly.

Best Flowers to Plant in Alabama for Spring

Best Flowers to Plant in Alabama for Spring

Posted on by Alabama Grown

Here’s our choices of the best flowering plants to grow in Alabama for Spring…

Calibrachoa

calibrachoa

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.

Sunpatien

Garden success has never been simpler with easy-to-plant, easy-to-grow SunPatiens. The thicker petals and tough foliage are less prone to disease, and their strong sturdy stems tolerate high heat and humidity, rain and adverse weather conditions.

Growing Calibrachoa Organically

Posted on by Alabama Grown

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.

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