Petunias & Calibrachoas

what's the difference, anyway?

petunias vs. calibrachoas

Petunias and Calibrachoas are vibrant, heat-loving annuals that flourish in Northeast Ohio, and Petitti’s grows hundreds more color varieties in quarts, hanging baskets, and combo planters than anywhere else!

Native to South America, these nightshade family members dazzle with trumpet-shaped blooms in striking colors and patterns. While similar in care, their distinct traits make each a must-have for gardeners seeking nonstop color and pollinator-friendly beauty.

petunias

garden workhorses

Most Petunias grown today are hybrids (Petunia × hybrida), celebrated for their resilience and long-lasting beauty. With large funnel-shaped blooms ranging from 1 to 5 inches wide, they come in an astonishing variety of colors and patterns, including ruffled edges and striking variegations. Their medium to bright green, slightly sticky foliage (viscid pubescence) can deter pests while contributing to their robust growth, creating a carpet of vibrant color in gardens and containers. Many Petunias also emit a mild to strong fragrance, especially in the evening, attracting a host of pollinators.

supertunias

petunia hybrid

The Supertunia® series, bred by Proven Winners®, represents the pinnacle of modern Petunia breeding. These cutting-grown varieties offer exceptional weather and disease resistance and are available in three distinct types:

  • Vista® Series | The largest and most vigorous, reaching 12–24” tall and spreading 24–36” wide. Vista® Bubblegum® is an annual award-winner and a garden showstopper, filling large spaces with continuous blooms.
  • Classic Supertunias® | Medium-vigor varieties growing 4–12” tall by 18–24” wide, available in an array of unique colors and patterns, such as the striking Blue Tiara™.
  • Mini Vista® Series | Similar in appearance to Calibrachoas but with greater vigor. Growing 6–12” tall and spreading 18–24” wide, they perform exceptionally well in landscape beds.

calibrachoas

small but mighty

Often called “million bells” or “mini petunias,” Calibrachoas may have smaller flowers (typically around half an inch wide), but they make up for it with their dense blossom coverage, brilliant colors, and compact, non-sticky foliage. These plants are slightly more drought-tolerant than Petunias, bounce back faster after storms, and require less maintenance since their spent flowers don’t stick to the leaves. Additionally, most Calibrachoas are vegetatively propagated, so they put more energy into blooming rather than producing seeds.

Calibrachoas excel in containers, hanging baskets, and window boxes filled with fast-draining potting mix. Due to their pH sensitivity and dislike of “wet feet” or soggy soil, well-drained conditions are essential.

superbells

calibrachoa

At Petitti’s, we grow several series of Calibrachoa, but our most popular is Superbells® bred by Proven Winners®. These compact, mounding varieties grow 6–12” tall by 12–24” wide and require no deadheading.

petchoa

the best of both worlds

Petchoa is one of the most exciting hybrids to emerge in recent years, an interspecific cross between Petunias and Calibrachoas. This exceptional plant combines the best qualities of both parents—vigorous growth, weather resistance, and continuous blooming—with added benefits such as reduced stickiness and enhanced disease resistance.

Our favorite varieties of petchoa belong to the SuperCal® series, a lineup of powerhouse plants that grow 14–28” tall by 14–32” wide and exhibit remarkable cold tolerance. We’ve even seen them survive an early snowfall in November and keep right on blooming!

a video spotlight

petunias & calibrachoas

Petunias and Mini Petunias are well known and for good reason – they’re easy, fill in fast, their colors are compelling, and pollinators love them. But have you ever wondered why there are so many kinds, and what the difference is between this & that? Watch this video with Noelle, Horticulturist, and Education Manager with Petitti Garden Centers, to learn the similarities and differences between Petunias and Calibrachoas, and how to grow each of them.

care & maintenance

tips for success

Both Petunias and Calibrachoas are tropical species that flourish in full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight) and prefer nutrient-rich, well-drained soil with consistent moisture. Thanks to extensive global breeding and trialing, today’s top varieties bloom non-stop from late spring through late fall, producing an abundance of self-cleaning flowers and well-branched, full habits.

Given their vigorous growth, regular fertilization is essential. Slow-release granular fertilizers like Osmocote® provide steady nutrients, while fast-release water-soluble fertilizers such as Miracle-Gro® deliver an instant boost. As long as feeding is consistent and follows package instructions, both plants will thrive.

Search for Your Location

We have ten locations across Northeast Ohio, spanning the Cleveland, Akron-Canton, and Youngstown communities. Search here to find the location most convenient for you.

Loading Locations...