blackthumb
Just Arrived
Joined: 03 Jul 2008
Posts: 21
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| Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2008 2:35 pm Post subject: Million Bells |
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Hello. I'm new to your forum. This is my first time purchasing "million bells". I became interested in this flower when I've noticed the multi colored million bell basket. I've yet to see this flower in "flats". I'm only finding them at "Lowes" and they are already in hanging pots.
I'm NOT having a problem with the flower. The one I purchased in part pink and part purple.
I was under the impression that this flower would grow out and upwards. Mine are growing downward. Like a vine. Its not full. So, I see alot of soil.
Am I doing something wrong?
I've also read here that one DOESN'T have to behead the flower. But, when I was buying this flower at Lowe's the sales person said "there are alot of pods in the stem and that I shouldn't let the vines grown downward that I should snip them back??????????
Any advice is welcomed!
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stratsmom
Flower Fanatic
Joined: 23 Aug 2006
Location: Southern Oregon (Map)
Posts: 979
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| Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2008 2:53 pm Post subject: |
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I love these little flowers but they are kind of a pain in the neck  I've never seen them sold in flats but I have found them in 4x4 pots. They come in some great colors. I have 1 hanging basket with red & yellow and a 2nd basket that has light purple, pinkish, reddish and yellow. They always hang so they look great in window boxes and baskets. My problem is I can't keep them wet enough. Sometimes I will water these little dudes 2 or 3 times a day! I know hanging baskets require more water but these guys are thirsty! Sometimes when I get home from work my baskets look dead but I just soak them in a bucket of water and they perk right up. I've never dead-headed them because there are SO MANY spent blooms and they seem to do fine. Good Luck with them. I think you'll like them 
Deanna
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blackthumb
Just Arrived
Joined: 03 Jul 2008
Posts: 21
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| Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2008 3:02 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks for your reply.
And I must say, I'm a bit jealous that you've found a "multi-color" basket. Thats what I'm in search of. I was going to buy a few baskets then re-pot them. But decided against it. I don't just have a "blackthumb"... the entire hand(s) are lethal to all flowers.
I let my husband water all flowers.
I don't have my basket hanging. I've set it down on a little plant stand. Could that be a problem? As there tends to be standing water in the stand.
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toni
Mistress of Garden Junque
 Moderator
Joined: 07 Jan 2006
Location: North Texas (Map)
Posts: 5492
PlantStew: 521 |
| Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2008 3:13 pm Post subject: |
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Hi blackthumb, welcome to the Stew.
Calibrachoa - Million Bells is a trailing plant, it hangs over the edge of the pot, a rock wall or across the ground. The mature plant can be from 6-12 inches tall with a spread of up to 36 inches.
I have no idea why the sales person at lowes told you to trim the plant, it is not a vine that continues to grow in length so trimming it isn't needed nor is deadheading. I have only found one chasier at the garden center of one of those big box stores who actually knew what he was talking about, most are just there to stock the plants, water the plants and sell the plants.
_________________
"Blossom by blossom the spring begins."
Algernon Swinburne (1837-1909)
"A little Madness in the spring, is wholesome even for the King."
Emily Dickinson (1830-1886)
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blackthumb
Just Arrived
Joined: 03 Jul 2008
Posts: 21
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| Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2008 3:21 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks for the welcome, toni.
I'm getting that same idea of the sales person at Lowes (not having a clue). The more I read about this flower, the more I realize he gave me all wrong information. That only that... but while I was in line... purchasing my basket.. the sales person was pinching and snipping at my basket... explaining how I "should" care for my lovely plant.
Hmmm... 6-12 inches tall you say (type)? I might have a problem then... all ALL my stems are hanging over the basket. None are standing tall.... 
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Joann
On The Way Up
Joined: 27 Mar 2008
Location: Kansas City Missouri (Map)
Posts: 80
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| Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2008 8:21 am Post subject: |
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Hi Black Thumb..I agree with Toni, dont put to much faith into the box store flower sellers. Your Million Bells doesnt need pinched or snipped.
I have four hanging baskets of Million Bells and all are beautiful. When mine start looking flat at the top I go fluff them. Gently pull the stems apart because they'll get matted when you water and when it's windy. When you get the stems untangled you'll notice the tops looking fuller and taller. Also, you might want to pay attention to what it's doing to the tops as you water. If watering is weighting them down then your water is to high. I always do a slow gentle watering, it takes longer but it doesnt beat the plants up.
Happy fluff'n..Joann
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blackthumb
Just Arrived
Joined: 03 Jul 2008
Posts: 21
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| Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2008 7:30 pm Post subject: |
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Hi Joann. Thanks for your reply.
I too have fluffed my million bells.. or should I say I TRY to fluff my million bells. As each time I "fluff" the plant ends up in my hand. Honestly, I am NOT tugging or pulling..... I'm fluffing...
Something is really wrong with this plant. Sure I know I got my name "blackthumb" for a reason... or two.. em... even three... but I DO touch softly.
Today, I found myself back at Lowe's and while I found myself walking down the aisle with NEW million bells plant in hand... I thought before I kill another plant, I should just care for the plants I have.
Having said that... the plant today was soooooo pretty. It had a mix of yellow, pink and purple in one pot. The differnce between my plant and this really pretty plant is........
It was fluffy... puffy.... and even stuffy.... with lots of million bells.... AND it was growing upwards.. not just downwards.
About watering.... I do water softly... but I can't account for how Lowe's watered the plant before I purchased it....?????
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