Where to Buy Calibrachoa Seeds: A Complete Guide

Calibrachoa, commonly known as million bells or trailing petunia, is a stunning flowering plant that produces hundreds of small, petunia-like blooms from spring until frost With their prolific flowering and trailing habit, these popular annuals are ideal for containers, hanging baskets, and small space gardens If you want to add vibrant color to your outdoor space, calibrachoa is a great option. But where can you find seeds to grow your own? This complete guide covers the best places to buy calibrachoa seeds.

Online Seed Retailers Offer Convenience and Selection

One of the easiest and most convenient ways to access a wide variety of calibrachoa seeds is through online retailers. Large online seed stores provide an extensive selection of calibrachoa seed varieties, often at very reasonable prices. The main benefits of ordering seeds online include:

• Huge Selection Online stores carry far more calibrachoa varieties than local shops. For example Park Seed offers over 40 varieties just within the Superbells and Callie series.

• Rare and Unique Varieties Specialty online retailers offer exclusive or hard-to-find calibrachoa seeds you won’t find elsewhere.

• Affordable Pricing: Buying seeds online eliminates middlemen, keeping costs low. Sales and promotions offer additional savings.

• Convenience: Seeds ship directly to your door, no driving required. Easy to compare options across multiple retailers.

• Helpful Resources: Detailed growing info, reviews, and tips assist garden planning.

Popular online seed retailers for calibrachoa include:

Park Seed

Park Seed is one of the most reputable online retailers with nearly 100 years of experience. They offer one of the largest calibrachoa seed selections available, including exciting colors like violet, magenta, yellow, and apricot. Their prices are very reasonable, especially for bulk purchases.

Burpee

Another long-time seed company, Burpee sells calibrachoa in the popular Superbells and Callie series. They regularly have promotions and sales to help save on seeds.

Outsidepride

Outsidepride specializes in flower seeds, carrying unique calibrachoa varieties you won’t find elsewhere. Their seeds ship for free.

Amazon

Amazon provides one-stop shopping access to calibrachoa from multiple vendors. Take advantage of subscribe and save discounts for the best value.

Local Garden Centers Offer In-Person Service

Visiting local independent garden centers allows you to see calibrachoa seed varieties in person and get expert growing advice. Benefits include:

• Evaluate Packaging: Inspect seed packets and growing info.

• Personalized Service: Staff can provide planting and care tips.

• Support Local Business: Money stays in your community.

• Immediate Gratification: Buy seeds and plants in one trip.

• Unique Varieties: Smaller shops may carry rare or specialty seeds.

Just be aware local retailers sometimes charge higher prices than online stores. Call ahead to check calibrachoa seed availability.

Seed Swaps Offer Free Seeds and Community

For the budget conscious, seed swaps provide free calibrachoa seeds while connecting you with fellow gardeners. Here’s how they work:

• Swap Leftover Seeds: Gardeners swap seeds from their gardens rather than buying new ones.

• Discover Unique Varieties: Swaps showcase rare and heirloom seeds not sold commercially.

• Make Gardening Connections: Chat with experienced local gardeners about their techniques.

• Join the Green Community: Most swaps are part of gardening groups or community gardens.

• Enjoy Themed Events: Some swaps incorporate workshops, crafts, or food.

Check local community and nature centers for upcoming seed swap events. You just might discover your new favorite calibrachoa variety for free!

Big Box Stores Offer Convenience and Affordability

Running low on time or need seeds ASAP? Big box home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowes sell a limited selection of the most popular calibrachoa varieties at budget prices. The convenience factor makes them worth a look for basics.

• Grab and Go Shopping: Pick up calibrachoa seeds along with all your other supplies in one trip.

• Affordable Pricing: Big box stores offer some of the lowest seed prices around.

• Trusted National Brands: They carry proven selections from Burpee, Park, Ferry-Morse and more.

Just don’t expect the extensive options or service of dedicated gardening retailers. Call or check their garden center inventory online first before visiting.

How to Choose the Best Calibrachoa Seeds

Whichever retailer you use, keep these tips in mind when selecting calibrachoa seeds for the highest quality results:

• Reputable Brand: Stick with proven seed brands known for good germination rates.

• Organic Seeds: When possible, choose organic seeds free of chemical treatments.

• Number of Seeds: Packets with 20+ seeds provide enough for several containers.

• Expiration Date: Don’t purchase old seeds past their prime.

• Growing Zone Rating: Ensure the variety matches your regional climate.

• Days to Maturity: Earlier maturity extends the flowering period.

• Color Range: Mix colors within baskets or pick a harmonious palette.

With proper selection and care, calibrachoa seeds will reward you with a stunning cascade of color all season long. Happy planting!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find rare or unique calibrachoa seed varieties?

Specialty online retailers and local garden centers are your best sources for unusual calibrachoa seeds. Seed swaps also showcase rare heirloom and locally adapted varieties you won’t find elsewhere.

What’s the best time of year to buy calibrachoa seeds?

Most seed retailers have calibrachoa seeds in stock year round. However, the newest season’s varieties arrive in late winter. For the widest selection, shop in February and March. Stock is more limited in fall and winter.

How many calibrachoa seeds should I plant?

Each calibrachoa seed packet contains different quantities. In general, plant 3 seeds together in at least 5 spots to allow for germination rates. So 15-20 seeds will fill a 10-12” container. Increase quantities for larger plantings.

Should I start calibrachoa seeds indoors or direct sow?

Starting seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date will yield larger, fuller plants. However, you can direct sow after danger of frost as well. Just wait for soil temperatures to reach 60 degrees F.

Will big box stores have organic or non-GMO calibrachoa seeds?

Likely not. For the widest selection of organic, non-GMO seeds, shop with online companies focused on sustainable gardening like Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds or Botanical Interests.

With hundreds of stunning blooms from late spring to fall, it’s no wonder calibrachoa has become a gardening staple. Follow this guide to find the perfect seeds for your landscape at the retailers best suited to your needs and budget. The result will be gorgeous flower-filled planters and baskets bursting with color all season long. Happy planting!