How to Grow Calibrachoa Cabaret
Calibrachoa Cabaret
Calibrachoa × hybrida 'Cabaret'
flowerCalibrachoa Cabaret is a compact, mounding annual flower that produces an abundance of small, petunia-like blooms in vibrant jewel tones. Part of the popular Cabaret series, it's bred for exceptional branching, full habit, and continuous flowering from spring through fall frost. This tender annual is perfect for containers, hanging baskets, and garden beds where its prolific blooms create stunning color displays.
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-11 as a summer annual; overwinters in zones 9-11
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Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with rounded cotyledons and first true leaves appearing within 7-10 days. Plants are delicate and pale green.
Provide bright, indirect light. Keep soil moist but not soggy. Maintain 65-75°F. Avoid damping-off by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksSeedlings develop deeper green color and multiple sets of true leaves. Plant becomes bushier as side shoots emerge. Roots establish strongly.
Thin seedlings or pot up into individual containers. Begin weekly balanced fertilization at half strength. Pinch growing tips once plant has 4-6 true leaves to encourage branching. Maintain 60-70°F.
Pre-flowering/Hardening Off
1-2 weeksPlant becomes dense and compact. Leaf nodes tighten and first flower buds begin forming. Plant transitions from indoor to outdoor conditions.
Gradually introduce outdoor conditions over 7-10 days, increasing sun and wind exposure. Harden off before transplanting. Switch to higher-phosphorus fertilizer to promote blooming. Maintain consistent moisture.
Flowering
8-12 weeks or until frostSmall tubular flowers (0.5-1 inch diameter) open continuously along stems in reds, purples, pinks, or bi-colors depending on variety. Plant forms a mounded, cascading shape smothered in blooms.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Feed every 2 weeks with diluted balanced or blooming fertilizer. Water consistently to support heavy flower production. Pinch back stems if plant becomes leggy.
Decline/Frost
Variable; until hard frost or end of seasonFlowering slows and stops as temperatures drop below 50°F. Foliage may take on purple tones. Plant may survive light frosts (32°F) but dies at hard freeze.
Enjoy blooms until first hard frost. Can be cut back and brought indoors in frost-free areas to overwinter. Discontinue fertilizing as growth naturally slows.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity with misting. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Remove heavily infested leaves.
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Use yellow sticky traps. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly for 2-3 weeks.
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Allow soil surface to dry slightly between waterings. Use sand layer on soil surface. Apply yellow sticky traps near soil level.
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Spray with strong water stream to dislodge. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs.
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Improve air circulation and reduce humidity. Spray with sulfur dust or fungicide. Remove affected leaves. Water at soil level only.
Uses
Not edible
CulinaryCalibrachoa flowers and foliage are not suitable for consumption and should not be eaten. [source]
Container and landscape color
HouseholdThe Cabaret series is specifically bred for container growing, hanging baskets, window boxes, and garden beds. Its compact, mounding habit and profuse blooms make it ideal for creating mass color displays and cascading effects in mixed containers. [source]
Cut flower arrangements and dried flowers
CraftWhile small, individual calibrachoa flowers can be used in miniature fresh arrangements or pressed flower crafts. Dried flowers retain color and can be used in dried arrangements and potpourri. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeThe abundant small flowers attract bees, hoverflies, and other beneficial pollinators throughout the growing season. Calibrachoa provides a long season of nectar and pollen resources for pollinators. [source]
Landscape design and curb appeal
HouseholdThe Cabaret series is widely used by professional landscapers and home gardeners for creating vibrant borders, edge plantings, and focal points in mixed beds and containers due to its reliable performance and striking colors. [source]
Harvest Tips
Deadheading is essential for continuous blooming. Pinch off spent flower clusters with your fingers or pruners as soon as petals fade. For propagation, take 3-4 inch softwood cuttings in summer and root in moist potting soil under humidity dome. No traditional harvest; enjoy blooms throughout the growing season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The Cabaret series was specifically bred for superior branching and mounding habit, producing 30-40% more flowers than standard calibrachoas with minimal pinching required.
- 🌱 Calibrachoa is sometimes called 'Million Bells' due to the sheer abundance of small flowers produced throughout the season—a single plant can produce hundreds of blooms in a growing season.
- 🌱 Unlike petunias (close relatives), calibrachoas have smaller flowers and are generally more compact and floriferous, making them ideal for containers and hanging baskets where space is limited.
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