Fuchsia has a long flowering period, from spring to the first frost. More flowering will be encouraged by exposing plants to enough sunlight and pinching back the stems. Fuchsia is also a hungry plant that thrives on a regular fertilizer schedule from spring to fall.
Common Reasons Why Fuchsia Isn’t Blooming
There are five reasons why Fuchsia does not continue to bloom all summer: 1) rootbound, 2) spent blooms and leggy growth, 3) not enough water, 4) under-fertilizing or using the wrong formulation, and 5) too much shade.
Pruning Fuchsia To Help It Bloom
Fuchsia needs two types of pruning to help it bloom better—deadheading and pinching back. Deadheading is the regular removal of spent flowers. This prevents the plant from setting seed and preparing for winter dormancy. Using a pair of garden scissors or hand pruners, snip spent flowers back to a pair of leaves.
Fuchsias bloom on new growth. To encourage more points for flowers to grow, pinch back the stems early in the growth season. Carefully pinch the stem tips, removing a few set of leaves. You can use your thumb and index finger or a pair of scissors. The pinch points will form lateral branches in a few weeks.
Fertilizing Fuchsia To Help It Bloom
Fuchsias need a fertilizer formulated for flowering and rooting. Look for a formula with a low nitrogen to phosphorus and potassium ratio (e.g., 2-6-4). Fertilizers with high nitrogen can encourage excess foliage and few blooms. Regular feeding with a diluted liquid fish emulsion or seaweed fertilizer supports consistent flowering and root formation.
Get Fuchsia To Produce More Blooms
Fuchsias require partial shade to full sun to bloom well. Annual types, often sold in hanging baskets, need protection from hot afternoon sun, while hardy types in the ground can handle full sun. If your Fuchsia isn't blooming well, make sure it is receiving at least 2 hours of direct sunlight. Early morning sun is preferred over the hotter afternoon sun.
Fuchsia plants grow quickly and may run out of space in a container. A store-bought hanging basket often contains 3-5 plants competing for space. If roots are growing through the drainage holes, your plant is likely potbound and needs repotting. Carefully remove the rootball and loosen any circling roots. Plant the Fuchsia in a container a few extra inches wider than the root ball, with new potting soil.
Under-watering for an extended period also diminishes blooming. Letting a plant go completely dry at any time stresses the roots. Help the plant to recover with some deep soaks. Flower buds may continue to fall off until the plant starts to put on new growth.
Why Fuchsia Isn’t Blooming
- Undernourished
- Failure to deadhead
- Rootbound
- Dehydrated
- Lack of direct sunlight (needs at least 2 hours)
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Author Robbin Small - Published 9-16-2022 |