Crop Rotation Group
Miscellaneous
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Soil
Fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost, with a slightly acidic pH.
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Position
Full sun to partial shade.
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Frost tolerant
Hardy fuchsias are well adapted in cool maritime climates and tolerate cold to about 20°F (-6°C). Many other fuchsias are tropical plants best grown as annuals.
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Feeding
In spring and autumn, topdress the root zones of hardy fuchsias with rich compost. Drench with a liquid organic fertilizer 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.
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Companions
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Spacing
Single Plants: 1' 11" (60cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 1' 11" (60cm) with 1' 11" (60cm) row gap (minimum)
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Sow and Plant
Fuchsias can be grown from seeds, 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 2 inches (5 cm) 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 Planning Tool can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
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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.
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Harvesting
Fuchsia flowers can be used in short-lived floral arrangements.
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Troubleshooting
Fuchsias have little tolerance for heat. In summer, pots can be sunk into the soil to keep them cool. Watch for aphids on young plants, and thrips and spider mites on older ones.
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