How to Grow Calibrachoa Cabaret Bi-Color

Calibrachoa Cabaret Bi-Color

Calibrachoa × hybrida 'Cabaret Bi-Color'

flower

Calibrachoa Cabaret Bi-Color is a compact, mounding annual flower prized for its stunning two-tone blooms featuring contrasting colors on each petal. This tender perennial is grown as an annual in most climates and produces masses of petunia-like flowers throughout the growing season with minimal deadheading required.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily (8+ hours preferred for maximum flowering)

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Water: Water regularly and deeply when top inch of soil is dry. Avoid waterlogging; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Consistent moisture promotes better blooming than inconsistent watering.

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Spacing: 12 inches

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Days to maturity: 45-60 days to full flowering from transplant

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Planting depth: Do not bury; plant at same depth as container. Seeds need light to germinate; press gently into soil surface.

Soil

Type: Well-draining, light loamy soil

pH: 6.0-6.8

Amendments:

Peat moss or coconut coir Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Compost for organic matter Balanced slow-release fertilizer

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 5-11; grown as annual in cooler zones 3-4

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a

Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny cotyledons emerge with first true leaves appearing within 1-2 weeks. Plants are delicate and pale green.

Maintain high humidity, bright indirect light, and consistent moisture. Provide gentle air circulation. Avoid waterlogging which causes damping off.

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Plant develops multiple stems and bushy foliage. Leaves are small, narrow, and bright green with compact branching pattern.

Provide full sun or bright grow lights. Pinch growing tips once or twice to encourage bushiness. Fertilize weekly with balanced fertilizer at half strength.

Flowering Initiation

1-2 weeks

First flower buds form at stem tips. Plant continues to grow while producing early blooms.

Maintain consistent watering and full sun exposure. Switch to fertilizer higher in phosphorus (middle number) to encourage flowering. Remove any diseased or weak stems.

Peak Flowering

8-12 weeks (extends until first frost)

Plant is covered with abundant two-tone bi-color flowers. Blooms display contrasting edge or center colors. Foliage is dense and mounding.

Continue full sun and regular watering. Deadheading is optional but enhances appearance; these flowers self-clean well. Fertilize every 2 weeks with bloom-promoting formula.

Senescence

2-4 weeks before frost

In late season or with frost exposure, flowers fade and foliage begins to decline. Plant stops producing new flowers.

Reduce fertilization. Pull and discard at end of season. In zones 9-11, may overwinter indoors or in sheltered locations; cut back by one-third and reduce watering.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Dusty Miller Lobelia Bacopa Ivy Geranium Petunias Alyssum Verbena Diascia Scaevola

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring dry soil Deep-rooted perennials that compete for nutrients Tall plants that shade this sun-loving variety

Common Pests

Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 7-10 days. Introduce yellow sticky traps. Remove heavily infested leaves.
Increase humidity and spray foliage with water. Apply miticide or neem oil if severe. Ensure good air circulation.
Spray with strong water stream to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and remove affected flowers immediately. Apply fungicide if widespread.
Ensure excellent drainage and avoid overwatering. Remove and discard severely affected plants. Use well-draining soil mix.

Uses

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Edible garnish

Culinary

Calibrachoa flowers are non-toxic and can be used as decorative edible garnishes on desserts, salads, and cocktails. The delicate petals add visual appeal and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. [source]

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Container and basket gardening

Household

Ideal for hanging baskets, window boxes, and container gardens where the mounding, trailing habit creates a cascading display of color. Perfect for patios, porches, and small gardens. [source]

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Cut flower arrangements

Craft

Use fresh stems in small bouquets and floral arrangements. The delicate bi-color blooms add texture and visual interest to mixed arrangements. [source]

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Pollinator attraction

Wildlife

The abundant small flowers attract bees, hoverflies, and other beneficial pollinators to gardens, supporting local pollinator populations throughout the growing season. [source]

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Front entry and border color

Household

The compact, mounding form and constant blooms make it excellent for edging flower borders, framing walkways, and creating cheerful focal points near home entryways. [source]

Harvest Tips

Not harvested in traditional sense. Deadhead spent flowers by pinching them off with fingers or pruning shears to maintain neat appearance, though 'Cabaret Bi-Color' self-cleans reasonably well. Cut flower stems for arrangements when fully open. Plant will bloom continuously until frost if given adequate sun and occasional fertilization.

Fun Facts

🌱 Calibrachoa is closely related to petunia but differs in being much smaller, with typically more profuse flowering and lower maintenance requirements.
🌱 The 'Cabaret' series was developed specifically for its exceptional bicolor patterns and compact growth habit, making it a favorite in the ornamental horticulture industry.
🌱 Calibrachoa can be overwintered indoors under grow lights or in a bright greenhouse, allowing gardeners to propagate cuttings and regrow the plant each year.

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