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I learned a few new things about growing Fuchsia.  See what you learn.

2/11/2026

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image from alamanac.com 
Sunshine morning in Dougherty.  Clear, blue sky so we will have lots of sunlight.  Temperature is to be above normal 45F(7C) which our average temperature is 30F.  We will enjoy it. AND perfect timing for us.  Our first plant plugs come in today or tomorrow.  Let the planting begin.  Stay warm and stay safe and ENJOY.
 
Australia family and friends for Feb 12. Thursday, they had a very warm day for Wed but looks like for Thursday they will have 68F(20C) for them this temperature is -6 degrees below average.  You guys enjoy yourself and stay safe.
 
I always learn something when I post these.  Today, I learned fuchsias like it not too wet or not too dry.   They prefer summer temperatures below 85°F and cool nights, if warmer they might stop blooming.  They are heavy feeders, so fertilizers feed every 2 weeks. 

Planting, Growing, and Caring for Fuchsia Plants Written By: Andy Wilcox
With their vibrant, dangling blooms and graceful arching stems, fuchsias add instant charm to hanging baskets and shady corners. A favorite of hummingbirds and gardeners alike, these colorful plants are surprisingly easy to care for—with just a few simple tips, you can keep your fuchsias blooming from spring through fall. Whether you’re growing them in containers or as trailing garden accents, discover everything you need to know to make fuchsia flowers flourish!
This beauty isn’t high maintenance, but you do need to know its growing requirements.
 Fuchsias are a favorite for hummingbirds, who are attracted to the colors and long bell-shaped flowers that hang and droop beautifully from hanging baskets, containers, and planters. The blossoms are also beloved by other pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and moths. Fuchsia plants can be bushy or have a vining and trailing growth habit. Many fuchsias will slow or stop blooming when temperatures rise above 80°F, but some heat-loving varieties are available.
Fuchsias are considered part-shade plants, which is an excellent opportunity for gardeners; however, they do need at least 4 hours of light to bloom—either dappled sunlight all day or direct morning sun. They prefer summer temperatures below 85°F and cool nights. So those in southern locations should place their fuchsias in a spot with afternoon shade or even all-day protection.
However, fuchsias are not too fussy if their moisture needs are met and the soil does not get soggy wet nor bone dry. Neutral to slightly acidic pH is fine, in the 6.0 to 7.0 range. Most commercially available potting mixes are close to neutral pH already. If you are filling your containers from a bag and not mixing your own, chances are your soil will be fine.
Fuchsias like cool temperatures and can be planted in spring as soon as night temperatures stabilize above about 40°F. They grow best in the cool nights and temperate days of late spring and early summer.
If your fuchsia is destined for a hanging basket, fill it with potting mix and some organic material to retain moisture.  A wooden or fiber pot will not dry out as quickly as a clay pot and will allow the plant to breathe. Make sure your container has drainage holes. Fuchsias don’t like to sit in water, even though they want their soil slightly moist. If your planter is large enough, tuck in two or three fuchsias to make a luscious and overflowing planter display.
Containers need to be watered, usually once a day. Water when the surface of the growing medium becomes dry or hot, but don’t let the soil become soggy. Keeping soil evenly moist in a hanging basket can be difficult. Add some compost to your potting mix, and check them daily, especially if the basket hangs under an overhang from a roof or porch.
Fuchsias are heavy feeders. If you’re growing fuchsia in a container and watering frequently, you must fertilize, as watering leaches nutrients. In the spring, fertilize every 2 weeks with a water-soluble, complete fertilizer at half-strength; once the plants set buds, water with a “bloom” formula. Stop fertilizing in the fall at least 2 weeks before you anticipate bringing the plant indoors.
Deadheading your fuchsia will provide more blooms, allowing the plant to focus energy on flowering instead of making berries and seeds. If the flower has dropped off and the little green berry is left behind, pinch that off too.
If your fuchsia is wilting, dropping flowers, or the tips of the leaves are turning brown, it could be due to underwatering. But do not water a wilted plant midday if the soil is still wet, as this suffocates the roots!
Light - These plants don’t like a lot of direct sunlight; keep them in shady spots unless they’re indoor plants. Indoor plants will need a bit of indirect sunlight. They will need a small amount of morning sunlight for the best bloom, so choose a part-shady spot for your outdoor plants.
Soil - You’ll need a well-draining, moist soil with plenty of organic matter. Add peat moss or compost before planting to encourage growth. Soil should be slightly acidic to neutral.
Water - Fuchsia needs plenty of water to keep the soil moist, but you don’t want it to be soggy. They thrive in humidity. Any plants kept in a container will need daily watering. Overwatering and underwatering these plants is not great, so stick to a routine.
Temperature - These plants grow best in temperatures between 55° and 80°F, although there are varieties that will do well in temperatures up to 90°F. They typically don’t do well in extreme heat or drought. In hot, dry areas, the plants will struggle to bloom. If you’re predicting or experiencing a hot summer, make a backup plan to shelter your plants.
Fertilizer - Fuchsia need routine feeding, as they are heavy feeders! Feed container plants regularly with liquid fertilizer. Outdoor beds would be better served by slow-releasing fertilizers, fish emulsion, or seaweed. Cut back on fertilizing as you enter winter.
The berries produced after fuchsia flowers fade can be eaten or prepared as sauces and jams and in baked goods. They are best when soft and squishy; the flavor runs from peppery to lemony. Single-flower plants (not double- or semidouble-) usually produce more fruit because less of their energy goes into the flowers.
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/plant/fuchsia
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse
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    Hi! My name is Becky and I am a Master Gardener. I own Becky's Greenhouse in Dougherty, Iowa.

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