Fuchsia is often grown in pots and hanging baskets as an annual plant. Watering containers leaches nutrients out of the soil, so the gardener needs to replace them each growing season. The same fertilizer formulation can be used all season. Regular fertilizing will promote strong green foliage and healthy root development.
How to Fertilize Fuchsia
Fuchsia prefers growing in a rich loam with neutral pH. All-purpose potting soil is the perfect medium for container-grown plants. The nutrients can be controlled easily by a gardener and applied all season long. Fuchsia growing as a perennial in the garden will appreciate regular mulching with organic compost and shredded leaves in the fall. The combination of nutrients from these sources slowly feeds the plant and enriches the soil over time.
Diluted liquid formulations are preferred for Fuchsia in a pot. Liquid feeds are easy to mix in with regular watering sessions and are fast acting, giving the plants an almost instant boost. Slow-release, granular formulations are convenient to use as the new foliage emerges at the beginning of the season. Reapplication every month keeps perennial Fuchsias blooming well.
Best Time To Fertilize Fuchsia
Fuchsias grown as annuals or perennials will need to be regularly fed throughout the growing season. Feeding container-grown plants every two weeks will offset the leaching of the soil. Fertilizing on a monthly basis will add nutrients back to the soil. All fertilizing can stop in late August or after the hottest part of the summer. Fuchsias slated to overwinter in a frost-free place must harden off by the end of the summer.
Best Fertilizer For Fuchsia
The best fertilizer for Fuchsia will have an NPK ratio that supports mainly root development and blooming. Many times these fertilizers are referred to as rooting and blooming blends. We love Fox Farm Big Bloom and Espoma Organic Flower-tone 3-4-5 Natural & Organic Plant Food for both annual and perennial Fuchsias. These organic brands have a higher Phosphorous content, which encourages flower formation, and higher Potassium, which encourages strong roots and overall strong cell growth. Fertilizers explicitly marketed for flowering plants, fruiting plants, or even tomatoes are the best choice.
Fuchsia Fertilizing Tips
- Consistent feedings will help Fuchsia bloom from early summer to late fall
- Fertilizers for roses or tomato plants have the correct ratio of NPK to support flowers and roots
- Use a diluted liquid feed for container-grown plants and a granular feed for garden-grown Fuchsia
- Regular mulching with organic compost and shredded leaves enriches the soil and provides a slow-release feeding throughout the growing season
Warnings
-Always wear protective gloves and a face mask when handling chemical fertilizers.
-Closely follow all directions and storage guidelines that are on the fertilizer label.
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Author Robbin Small - Published 9-16-2022 |