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| Ways to improve cultivation of Calibrachoa | |
| Some hints to improve cultivation of Calibrachoa are reported. Check the pH of soil and water every week. The soil pH should be 5.5-5.8. Make sure to use a sterile, well draining substrate with high porosity. Calibrachoa is sensitive to substrates that remain wet. Select varieties that will perform best in your local growing conditions and for specific uses. Some varieties are more tolerant of disease. Plants should have constant air circulation in the winter months and any warm humid air should be vented out of the greenhouse to prevent fungal infections. High light intensity result in better growth and branching. For the best growth and branching a fertilizer formulation of NPK 1:1:1.5 at 150-200 ppm is indicated applied as a constant liquid feed. The EC level of the soil should be monitored each week and maintained level at 0.6-0.9. It is agood practice to flush clear water through every three or four waterings. Plants grow well in 12-13cm pots and in these sizes most varieties do not require plant growth regulators. For growing in baskets and larger containers, 500ppm of Florel (ethephon, ethrel, chlorethephon) will promote branching. Ideal growing temperatures are 18-23°C daytime and 12-18°C nightime. Once the roots have reached the outside of the substrate the temperature can be further reduced to 5-10°C. Plants benefit from a period of hardening off outside. Inspect the plants for insect pests. The small succulent leaves of Calibrachoa are attractive to aphids and plants should be treated with an appropriate insecticide or biological control method. John Gaydes, GrowerTalks www.growertalks.com |
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