Fuchsias

Texas Longhorn

Fuchsias are outdoor plants and prefer cool moist growing conditions with good air circulation and filtered light. The soil should be loose to allow for good drainage and have some organic material. The soil should be kept slightly damp at all times, but never soggy. In very hot weather misting the leaves will perk them up, but do not expose wet leaves to direct sun.
To make your plant bushy, pinching is required. This should be done after every second set of leaves. Blossoms will appear six to eight weeks after pinching the last time. Always remove dead flowers, seedpods, and weak or diseased branches.
Begin fertilizing ½ strength in early spring, full strength in the summer and ½ strength again in the fall. Quit feeding and removing seedpods by October to allow the plant to harden off for winter storage.

Dark Eyes

During the summer fuchsias require very little care except water and the removal of dead flowers and seedpods. They will give your garden, container, or hanging basket a wide range of colors and shapes, with a minimum of effort.
When winter comes, DO NOT throw your fuchsia away. Cut it back to a little past the edge of the container (flowers are only produced on new wood). Remove all the leaves and store in a cool dark place, which does not freeze. Be sure to remember they need to be watered enough to just be slightly moist. In the spring bring them out, pick off any white shoots, water well, and start the new season.

Julie Horton