How to Grow Million Bells Kabloom

Million Bells Kabloom

Calibrachoa × hybrid 'Kabloom'

flower

Million Bells Kabloom is a vibrant hybrid calibrachoa known for its prolific, small trumpet-shaped flowers that blanket the plant throughout the growing season. This compact, mounding variety produces hundreds of colorful blooms in shades of pink, red, purple, white, and bicolors with minimal deadheading required. It's an excellent choice for hanging baskets, containers, and garden borders.

Looking for a specific variety?

Kabloom Red Kabloom Pink Kabloom Purple Kabloom White Kabloom Blush Kabloom Deep Purple

Growing Conditions

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

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when top inch of soil feels dry. Container plants may need daily watering in hot weather. Reduce watering in cooler months.

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Spacing: 12-18 inches apart for landscape plantings; one plant per 10-12 inch hanging basket inches

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Days to maturity: 30-45 days to first blooms from transplant

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Planting depth: Surface plant or bury root ball to soil level; do not bury stems

Soil

Type: Well-draining potting mix or light, fertile soil

pH: 6.0-6.8

Amendments:

Peat moss or coconut coir Perlite or coarse sand Compost Slow-release fertilizer

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Annual in zones 3-10; perennial in zones 11+. Best performance in zones 5-9.

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

Growth Stages

Establishment

2-3 weeks

Young transplants with developing root systems and initial leaf formation

Water regularly to establish roots. Protect from strong wind. Provide bright light indoors or partial shade outdoors for first week. Begin light fertilizing after 2-3 weeks.

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Plant develops compact, bushy form with expanding foliage; minimal flowering

Pinch back growing tips once or twice to encourage branching and fuller shape. Maintain consistent moisture and bright light. Apply balanced fertilizer every 1-2 weeks.

Flowering Initiation

1-2 weeks

First flower buds appear; plant begins producing its characteristic abundant blooms

Continue regular watering and fertilizing. Shift to higher phosphorus fertilizer (bloom formula) to encourage flowering. Ensure 6+ hours of direct sun daily.

Peak Bloom

8-12 weeks (summer through fall)

Plant covered with hundreds of small trumpet flowers in vibrant colors; dense, mounding appearance

Maintain consistent watering—critical during peak heat. Fertilize every 7-10 days with bloom formula. Deadheading is minimal but occasional removal of spent flower clusters improves appearance. Monitor for pests.

Decline/End of Season

Variable; until first hard frost

Flowering slows as temperatures cool or frost approaches; plant gradually dies back in cold climates

Reduce watering and fertilizing as growth slows. In frost-free zones, plants may continue blooming through winter with adjusted care. Remove plant after frost in cold climates.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Dusty Miller Ornamental sweet potato vine Ivy geranium Begonias Impatiens Bacopa Diascia Petunias Marigolds

Avoid planting near:

Moisture-loving shade plants (in same container) Aggressive spreading perennials

Common Pests

Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 7 days. Remove heavily infested leaves. Encourage natural predators like lacewings. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer.
Increase humidity by misting foliage. Spray with water to dislodge mites. Apply miticide or neem oil if severe. Ensure adequate watering to reduce plant stress.
Spray with strong water stream to remove. Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Apply neem oil for persistent infestations.
Allow soil surface to dry between waterings. Use yellow sticky traps. Apply diatomaceous earth to soil surface. Use soil drench with beneficial nematodes if severe.
Improve air circulation. Avoid wetting foliage. Apply sulfur dust or fungicide at first sign. Remove heavily affected leaves.

Uses

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Not for consumption

Culinary

Million Bells Kabloom is toxic if ingested and not used for food or beverage preparation. [source]

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Container and basket gardening

Household

Exceptionally popular for hanging baskets, window boxes, container combinations, and as a mounding border plant. Its compact, spreading habit and abundant blooms make it ideal for mass plantings and mixed containers. [source]

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Pollinator attraction

Wildlife

Small trumpet flowers attract butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects, providing nectar throughout the growing season. [source]

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Floral arrangements and garden design

Craft

Used as trailing accents in mixed containers, tropical-style arrangements, and as colorful groundcover in decorative garden designs. The profusion of blooms adds texture and movement to garden displays. [source]

Harvest Tips

Million Bells Kabloom is grown for continuous ornamental blooms rather than harvest. Deadheading (removing spent flowers) is optional as the plant sheds faded blooms naturally. Pinching back stems early in the season encourages bushier growth and more flowers. For propagation, take 2-3 inch cuttings in spring or summer and root in moist potting mix under humidity.

Fun Facts

🌱 Million Bells Kabloom is part of the Proven Winners line and was specifically bred for its exceptional heat tolerance and disease resistance, making it reliable even in challenging summer conditions.
🌱 The 'Kabloom' name reflects the plant's tendency to explode with flowers—a single plant can produce over 1,000 blooms throughout the season with proper care.
🌱 Calibrachoa is closely related to Petunia but produces smaller, more delicate flowers and typically requires less deadheading, making it lower-maintenance for container gardeners.

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