Flowering ability of commercial Calibrachoa cultivars as compared to that of natural species

To evaluate and describe the current status of Calibrachoa cultivars as bedding plants, the seasonal flowering of 91 commercial cultivars were compared to those of natural species using principal components analysis. The predominant flowering of the cultivars, that is, floriferous in late spring to early summer with a tendency to reduce flower production toward winter, seems to have remained unchanged from that of natural species. However, properties desired in bedding plants, such as early flowering and continuous flowering under short-day and/or low temperature conditions, appear to have been improved in a considerable number of cultivars, although there is still room for improvement. Seasonal and total floral counts were higher in many cultivars compared to natural species. Several natural species were selected for their unique flowering ability and should be evaluated as gene resources for improving the flowering of Calibrachoa cultivars.

Research highlights▶ Calibrachoa cultivars and natural species bloomed most in late spring to early summer. ▶ Seasonal total number of flowers of the cultivars was more than that of the species. ▶ The cultivars bloomed more and earlier under SD / low temperature than the species. ▶ Several natural species showed unique seasonal pattern of flowering ability.