Fuchsias

I didn't realise this was here , as I've just posted in the General area.

I have the potential to gather myself a good dose of cuttings from various hardy fuschias at work, but have no idea how to take a cutting from them or even when?

 

So its just a case of whipping a bit off and sticking it in a pot of compost, then sealing it in a plastic bag? What about rooting powder, is it needed? What sort of length of cutting should I be looking at?

Should I put the sealed pots into the polytunnel to get the best of the warmth during the day, or would that be too warm for them?

For the winter, I think I'll put them on the window sills of the porch, its not heated (other than passively through a door from the front room), but is frost free and would let me water them if needed.

 

One last question before I wield my scissors - will I get away with taking the cuttings and then transporting them home (20 mins max) on some damp tissue or something, to pot on when I get home, or do I need to get them into compost straight away?

 

Well, I did the deed today - 38 cuttings no less (got a little bit snip happy once I got started!).

I popped them all into plastic cups with the cut side of the stem down into water in the bottom, and shoved them all into the cup holders in my car (front and back!) to get them home, then I trimmed them, took the bottom leaves off, removed all the flower buds, dipped them in hormone rooting powder (just because I had it), popped them into plastic cups of compost and then sprayed liberally with the fine mist spray and then left them to settle in the shade whilst I went shopping.

When I came back (with poly bags), I wrapped each one in its own bag and they are now sat in the shady corner of the garden all sealed in their own wee tents

Some of them looked completely unphased by their separation from the plants, whilst others started to droop a wee bit, but presumably they will all come back eventually?

If I get a 50% success rate, I will be a happy man - any more will be a real bonus.

I will, of course, have to post photos next year to identify which ones I have and see if I can then pass on cuttings once mine are established.

Thanks again for all the help and advice

 

I might bring mine indoors over the next few days, with the 30+ degree temps we have predicted - I can always sit them on top of the freezer in the outhouse so that they are a bit sheltered.

It would be great if they did come good for me, as I love fucshias, and they would take me a long way towards my plan of perennials in the borders of the back garden.