Instructions for growing fuchsias

Soil

Use a sandy, good quality potting soil. A ratio of 40 % garden peat and 60 % peat moss is best. More compact growth can be promoted by adding 10 % clay. Fertiliser: 1 to 1,5 P.G. mix.

Temperature

Starting temperature ± 17 °C. After topping a negative D.I.F. can be used, i.e. high night temperatures of ± 17 °C and low day temperatures of ± 13 °C. This temperature causes less cell stretching to take place and results in a more compact plant. The average daily temperature must be ± 15 °C as a lower average temperature leads to later flowering.

Topping

To 3 to 5 pairs of leaves, depending on the number of plants per square metre and the pot size.

Light

Extra light can be given after about one week. Extend the day to 16 hours, using at least 15 watt per square metre. Cyclical lightning can also be used (6 minutes per half-hour). Flowering can be expected 8 to 10 weeks after starting to provide light. A start can be made with lightning immediately after the plants have been potted up.

Fertilising

Once the plants are well rooted, and plant food each time your water; 1,5 to 2 EC using a mixture of 75% potassium nitrate and 25% magnesium sulphate. During growing, alternate occansionally with mixed fertiliser, e.g. 20-20-20.

Growth control

Bij using D.I.F. and the driest possible conditions, growth can be controlled quite effectively. The following growth regulators can also be used:

• Cycocel(750 gr/lt):75-125 cc per 100 litres of water.
• Alar 85: 200-400 gram per 100 litres of water.
• Bonzi: 25-50 cc per 100 litres of water.

Stop using Bonzi as soon as the bud is clearly visible. Grow regulators should be used while the root ball is moist; either in the morning, just after dawn, or in the evening, to prevent leaf burn.

Important tip

Apply growth regulators after watering. Never water to apply a growth regulator!!!

Plant protection

Botrytis is the main disease to which Fuchsia is susceptible, and it can cause heavy losses. It can be prevented by ventilating on time and never allowing the relative humidity to rise above 80%. Chemical prevention is possible by using Rovral, Teldor en Thiram. White fly can be combated with Admire,Admiral,Applaud,Teppeki or Decis. Admire or Pirimore can be used against lice and Vertimec or Mesurol against thrips.

Before using the abovementioned growth regulators check if those products are allowed in your country. Handelskwekerij Hendriks is not responsible for using regulators which are forbidden by national law.

Please contact us for any information you may require.