How To Grow Fuchsias
Fuchsias are an easy plant to grow and will reward you with many months of pleasure during the summer and autumn months providing you follow some very basic rules. Fuchsias are very adaptable and by choosing the right varieties they can be displayed in many ways in patio pots, hanging baskets, tubs and the open border, or as a house or conservatory plant.
On Receipt
Carefully unpack your fuchsia plants as soon as you receive them, retaining any packing and cultural notes. The special packaging will have protected your plants during the short time that they were in transit. Place the fuchsia plants in good but not direct light and if they appear dry moisten the root ball slightly - but do not allow the plants to stand in water.
Fuchsia plants received early in the season, before it is frost-free outdoors, will need to be potted on to allow them to develop, ideally in a frost free conservatory or greenhouse, which will provide good growing conditions. The secret is to grow the plants slowly so that they develop a good root system before flowers begin to develop.
Potting
Obtain a good quality compost. Soil less composts are light and easy to handle but also dry out quickly and fast-growing plants such as fuchsias can easily become short of nutrients. Stability of the plant is also an important factor. So if possible choose compost that is at least partially soil-based, such as John Innes No1, for reliable results and to reduce the risk of over-watering. Use a small (9cm/3.5 inch) pot, firming the compost gently - just enough to ensure the fuchsia plant is held upright. A good and thorough watering the first time will settle the compost sufficiently. Place the pots in a light, cool place to help the plants recover quickly from their journey. New growth will soon begin.
Growing On
Your fuchsias can be moved to their final positions, whether container, basket or into open ground, as soon as they have developed a good root ball. Carefully remove the pot and check the roots - they should be white and fill the pot evenly. Plant out using a similar compost – John Innes No2 is ideal.
Depending on how you wish to display your fuchsia – for instance in a hanging basket or as pot plants - removing the growing point will encourage the production of side shoots to produce a well proportioned fuchsia. Trailing varieties will benefit from one pinch whereas a bush variety may require two or more. Pinching will delay flowering by approximately 6 weeks but the improved display makes the wait well worthwhile!
Young fuchsia plants purchased early on in the season will grow strongly and in their first year you can expect them to begin flowering during early summer - sooner in subsequent years.
Watering is perhaps the most important task during the growing season, two very simple but basic rules being; never allow the plants to dry out and never allow the plant to stand in waterlogged conditions for any length of time. Over watering can result in flower and leaf drop. (Water standing for a very short period in a tray or plant saucer will not cause harm). Aim to water in the evening and to keep the soil evenly moist. In very hot weather an overhead spray will be beneficial.
Fuchsias are fast growing plants and regular feeding will be necessary to sustain them, starting with a balanced feed applied weekly approximately six weeks after potting. Large plants, especially those planted in baskets, may be fed more often to ensure a long flowering period.
Pests & Diseases
Contrary to common belief, when carefully grown, Fuchsias seldom suffer serious health problems. The most likely pests are aphid - Greenfly and Whitefly - but regular inspections of plants and spraying if insects are found should prevent serious problems. Products for this purpose are widely obtainable from garden stores. Always read the label and spray accordingly, avoiding treatment in bright sunlight as scorch may result.
Botrytis (Grey Mould) and Rust are the two main diseases affecting fuchsias. A well grown fuchsia plant seldom succumbs, so the best defence is to pay careful attention to growing conditions, watering, feeding, etc., and to inspect your plants frequently for signs of disease. If treatment is required a number of proprietary products are available.
In summary, good, strong-growing and healthy plants will be resistant to pests and diseases and the care given to your fuchsias in the early stages of growth will reward you throughout the summer.
These fuchsias have lax or drooping stems which naturally topple over as they grow and as the weight of the flowers increases. They are best suited to growing in hanging baskets, window boxes and tall containers where they will cascade over the sides. Examples are Hollys Beauty, Devonshire Dumpling and Cover Girl
The growth of these fuchsias is stiff and rigid and they tend to grow with an erect habit forming a well shaped bush. They are perfect for patio containers or summer bedding in the border. Good choices are Checkerboard, Rose Quartet and Thalia.
To grow a standard choose a variety with vigorous upright growth and an upright habit. Grow as a single stem, removing lower side branches and training the upper branches to give the standard effect. Patio Princess and Celia Smedley are good choices.
These fuchsias will survive over the winter in all but the coldest regaions and can give a superb display when permanently planted in the border. Cut back in the autumn and mulch and they will reappear in spring year after year. We have plenty of hardy fuchsias and Hawkshead, Garden News and Flashlight are among our favourites.
