Care Instructions for Fuchsia

Summer Care Outdoors

• 1

  Site your fuchsias in bright shade. In all but the hottest climates, they can tolerate morning sunlight but not strong afternoon sun. Fuchsias withstand full sun only in cool, northern areas, such as the Pacific Northwest.

• 2

  Fill containers with a commercial potting soil intended for flowering houseplants. Alternatively, make your own potting mix of equal parts peat moss, vermiculite, potting soil and coarse sand. Containers must have good drainage.

• 3

  Amend the soil in planting beds with a 3- to 4-inch layer of compost or peat moss before planting fuchsias. The soil must be well drained.

• 4

  Place one plant in each hanging basket unless the pot is more than 12 inches in diameter, in which case, use three plants. Outdoors, space fuchsias 12 to 24 inches apart, depending on the expected width of the cultivar you have chosen.

• 5

  Water fuchsias often enough to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. The amount of water needed will vary depending on the weather, the soil and whether the plant is in the ground or a container. Potted fuchsias and those planted in full sun need watering more often than those grown in the ground, especially in hot or windy weather.

• 6

  Feed fuchsias regularly for best flower production. Use a fertilizer specially formulated for flowering plants and follow the package directions carefully. The amount of fertilizer and the interval between feedings will vary depending on the product you choose. Fuchsias are heavy feeders. Many growers prefer to use a liquid fertilizer applied every two to four weeks. Ensure that the root ball is moist before applying any type of fertilizer, even liquid ones, to prevent chemical burns to the roots.

• 7

  Inspect your fuchsias occasionally for insects. Fuchsias are bothered by aphids, Japanese beetles, mealybugs, spider mites, scales, thrips and whiteflies, but all these insects are more common indoors than outside.

Winter Care in Cold Areas

• 8

  Cut back plants to 6 inches and remove any debris that has accumulated on top of the planting soil.

• 9

  Inspect the plants and pots carefully for signs of insects. If necessary, treat the plants with an insecticide before bringing the pots indoors.

• 10

  Place the plants in a 45 to 50 degree Fahrenheit location. Protect them from cold drafts from windows and doors, as well as hot drafts from the furnace. The plants may lose their remaining leaves as they go dormant.

• 11

  Water sparingly during their rest period. Keep the potting soil barely damp and always pour off any water that accumulates in the plant saucer after 15 minutes.

• 12

  Move your fuchsia to a warm, bright location and resume watering in the spring. As soon as new growth appears, repot the plant with fresh potting soil. If you reuse the same pot, wash it first before returning the fuchsia to it.

• 13

  Encourage branching by pinching the new growth once two sets of leaves have developed on each stem. Set the plant outside once night temperatures remain above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.