FUCHSIA

Half-hardy perennial



To raise Fuchsias from seed will be new practice to many; but it is both

interesting and inexpensive, and every year it secures an increasing

number of adherents. Seed may be sown at almost any time of the year; if

a start be made in January or February, the plants will bloom in July or

August. Soil for the seed-pots should be somewhat firm in texture, but

a light rich compost ought to be employed when the plants come to be

potted off, and the final shift should be into a mixture containing

nearly one-third of decayed cow-manure. For the early sowing we have

named, a rather strong heat will be necessary to bring up the seed. When

large enough to handle, prick off the seedlings round the edges of

60-pots, putting about six plants into each pot. Shade and moisture are

requisite to give them a start after each transfer. Subsequently they

must be potted on as growth demands, until the final size is reached;

and flowering will not commence so long as increased pot-room is given.

The growth must not be hurried, and the plants should at all times be

kept free from vermin. Seedlings having narrow pointed leaves may be

consigned to the waste heap without scruple; but plants with short

rounded foliage, especially if dark in colour, are almost certain to

prove of high quality.