Gorgeous Fuchsias for Your Hanging Baskets and Pots

Planting Fuchsia in Hanging Baskets

• The best time to plant your Fuchsias is early to mid-spring.
• You will need 4 plants for a 12 in. diameter (30 cm) basket, 3 around the edge and 1 in the center. If you select a 16-inch diameter (40 cm) basket, you will need 4 plants around the edge and 1 central plant. Add one or two more plants if your Fuchsias are not vigorous enough.
• Line the basket with moss or a plastic sheet (e.g., old compost bags).
• Once the liner is placed, add moist multi-purpose compost and gently firm it. Add enough compost to ensure your Fuchsias will sit at a level slightly below the basket rim.
• Insert the plants and fill any voids with compost.
• Water sparingly. Do not water again until the basket is nearly dried out.
• Water Fuchsias regularly during the warmer seasons as they grow. Applying water twice a day may be necessary during very hot and dry weather.
• Ensure the hooks are strong enough to hold up a fully watered basket with much plant growth.
• Position the basket in areas of the garden that offer partial to full shade. Fuchsias do not tolerate high heat and sun exposure. Move them indoors if temperatures rise above 76ºF (24ºC) to protect them from heat damage and avoid bloom failure.
• After four weeks, feed the plants with a soluble, complete fertilizer. Continue once a month but stop fertilization in the fall.
• Move your Fuchsia plants indoors before the first frosts or when temperatures drop significantly. Cut back and remove existing leaves. This will reduce the possibility of encouraging any fungal disease due to rotting vegetation.
• Irrigate with approximately 1 cup of water your sleeping Fuchsias. It is vital not to apply too much water. Do not let the compost to become dust dry. Once it has, the root system can no longer take up moisture.
• Maintain a temperature of 45-50ºF (7-10ºC).