Fuchsia Growing Guide

Fuchsia species and hybrids

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost, with a slightly acidic pH.

Position

Full sun to partial shade.

Frost tolerant

Hardy fuchsias can tolerate cold to about -6°C (21°F) going dormant over winter and regrowing from the stems in the spring. Many other fuchsias are tropical plants best grown as annuals in areas that experience frost.

Feeding

In spring and autumn, topdress the root zones of hardy fuchsias with rich compost. Drench with a liquid organic fertiliser when plants produce new growth in late spring or early summer. Tropical fuchsias grown in containers benefit from a dilute liquid feed monthly through the summer months.

Spacing

Single Plants: 60cm (1' 11") each way (minimum)
Rows: 60cm (1' 11") with 60cm (1' 11") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Fuchsias can be grown from seeds which can take up to 6 months to germinate, but most named varieties are grown from rooted cuttings and are sold in spring. Before planting a potted hardy fuchsia, remove the topsoil from the planting hole then use a digging fork to loosen the subsoil. Amend the topsoil with one-quarter part compost and refill the hole about halfway. Set the plant so that the top will be covered by 5cm 2 inches (2 inches) of soil when it is refilled. Roots will grow from the buried part of the stem, increasing the plant’s winter hardiness. Young plants need water when they are actively growing, but avoid keeping the plants too wet.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

In cold winter areas, fuchsias can be kept through winter in a greenhouse, with new plants started in spring from cuttings taken from the mother plant. In areas where hardy fuchsias grow well, such as the British Isles, Northwest US, and New Zealand, local enthusiasts will gladly share their expertise.

Harvesting

Fuchsia flowers can be used in short-lived floral arrangements.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Fuchsia

Aphids (General)

Slug

Snail