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Calibrachoa Spring or Winter Sow

16 years ago

I finally realized this is the plant I've seen in several stores that wasn't labeled, but in annual basket collections.

I'm wondering if anyone has Spring or Winter Sowed it and how it did? I'd like to do some next year (and maybe Spring sow some now).

Linda

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Comments (6)

lynnencfan
16 years ago
I haven't seen any seed for them but if anyone knows if they are available I sure would love to order some. I love that plant....

Lynne
PVick
16 years ago
Haven't seen seed for that one either. It's been said they are sterile, but then again, I know people who have bought plants, saved seed and been able to grow them. Maybe this year I'll break down an buy a plant or two - for the seed.

If they're like petunias, winter or spring sowing should work equally well; I usually sow my petunia seed in late February-early March.

This year was a disappointing petunia year for me, though; I got three little seedlings back at the end of March and only one has survived. It was planted out on 5/12, and it's still just sitting there in suspended animation, about 1/8" tall with one set of true leaves. But it's alive, I think.

Bad showing for the self-proclaimed "Petunia Queen" ....

PV
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This is turning into a very weird weather year for many of us. Because of that, it's hard to give you an absolute answer. Be aware that no matter what any of us tell you, it's nature that has the final answer in when those seeds will sprout. My best guess is that it's probably fine for perennials hardy to your area, and hardy annuals too. I'd definitely wait for anything tender. And if perennials and hardy annuals would sprout early, they have a much better chance of survival in their containers. And keeping them in a shady spot is definitely a good idea until spring is in the air. This is probably our coldest part of winter most years, and it's when I sow my hardy annuals and perennials. I sowed my first jugs a few days ago. I'd go for it if I were you. The chance that they'll sprout in shade is minimal I think, and winter might just stay mild this year. Karen
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lblack61
Original Author
16 years ago
Petunias didn't do so hot for me this year so far either, PV. I have 50 percent germ on them, and I did about 10 types. I dumped the ones that haven't germinated yet into garden beds, with the hopes that they will germ later.
There's a few that reseeded for me in the back yard that are really healthy, but they weren't the colors I was after this year. So we'll see what happens.

Linda
liza070831
16 years ago
I too dumped my cascade petunias as well as anything else that hasn't sprouted. The petunias sprouted within two days and some of the others are showing signs of life too. I guess they just wanted to get out into the garden. I bought a calibrachoa too. I have searched but haven't located any seeds.
littleonefb
16 years ago
Calibrachoa is a hybrid cross from several different wild small petunias. It doesn't grow true to seed.

There was a discussion about the seed germination a year or so ago on WS forum. I tried to find the thread and haven't been able to locate it.

The results from any seed germination where posted as flowers that appeared to be either wave petunia or more like wave petunias but smaller flowers.

It's worth a try, if you do get seeds, to sow them and see what does germinate and what they look like, but they won't be calibrachoa plants.

Calibrachoa does root easily from stem cuttings though and they grow quickly as well.

Fran
Vickie Moore
2 years ago
Park seed carries the Calibrachoa seeds.

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