I have 2 recentlydbought hardy Fuchsias. They're in pots indoors at the moment. When should it be safe to plant them out ?
It would be best to wait until the last frost is over in your area. Often mid May to be safe. But I would have them outside now as long as the temperatures are not too low at night, they wont like being indoors. You could plant out if you are prepared to protect should you get some frosty nights.
I'd wait until end of May since you live to the north. However, if they are hardy varieties even if the top growth suffers they will probably be all right. When you plant them make sure you plant them deeply, because in a bad winter part of the stems will be protected under the ground and there will be a better chance of them surviving.
All of my fuchsias died off above ground but the hardier ones are regrowing from the base. The rest only bought last year have croaked
Thanks for your replies fellas, it must be 40+years since I grew Fuchsias but this is the first time for hardy types so I'm looking forward to my 'new adventure'.
What are the names of the Fuchsia you have and how tall are they now ? some are hardier than others. If not too big you could continue to grow them on indoors to make bigger plants quicker. Either way you need to harden them off over a good few days or more. Would wait unitl next week as they say we can expect some snow showers this week/ Have some fleece or similar to protect them if frost is forecast in the weeks following planting them out.
The names are Genii--5'' tall and dollar Princess--3'' tall. I put them out during the morning and while the Dollar Princess was OK, the Genii seemed to wilt. I brought them inside an hour ago and the Genii seems to be recovering.
If they went floppy it suggests they are very soft and will need to be acclimatised slowly. Windy weather will not help you do that.
And keep an eye on gall mites. Check if fuschias growing freely outside in other gardens are free of these pests. I didn't buy any this year, because gall mites from neighbour's fuschia find mine very quickly.
At that size would not consider putting them outside until all frosts have gone / Mid May. Another month of indoor care and they should be good sized plants, but still need hardening off , so find somewhere semi shaded as they will not like a hot full sun straight away. You may have to put them in a larger pot during the next few weeks if they are growing well. Once established outside they should withstand most winters and full summer sun.
Yes, do check any plants you buy in, though have not heard of any established plants being affected this far north - so far ! Indoor Fuchsias can suffer from Aphids and Red Spider Mites which can take hold in a couple of days if you are not eagle eyed.
