How to Cut Back a Fuchsia Plant
A fuchsia plant is often treated as an annual because it tends to only bloom and grow well the first season. Fortunately in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11, if you get in the habit of cutting back, or pruning, your fuchsia plant on a regular schedule, it can grow and bloom better than the first year you planted it. Besides cutting back a fuchsia plant, remember that it needs regular watering, daily misting during the hot summer months and fertilizing every couple of weeks. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Leave the plant alone through the winter months and wait for new green growth to appear, typically in February or March.
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Cut back the plant so that only 4 to 6 inches remains above the soil. Use sharp clippers or pruning shears. Make clean, straight cuts.
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Pinch off green tips as they grow. Just use your fingers and pinch off every new tip that grows. This will encourage more growth and blooms. As a general rule, for every tip you pinch off, two more will grow in its place. Stop after about 6 weeks and allow the fuchsia to grow full and lush.
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Pinch or clip off any seed pods. This will keep the plants blooming. This typically happens in early summer.
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Pinch or clip off the blooms and some of the stems in August, as the days get too hot. Continue to care for your plant and it will probably bloom again in the fall. This step is optional.
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