Fuchsias are hardworking, long-flowering plants that are a popular addition to all types of garden. Commonly bought as plugs or potted plants, very few people try to breed their own hybrids from seed. Here, experienced fuchsia-breeder Jack Wilson explains how to collect and sow cross-pollinated seeds to create your own new and exciting fuchsia varieties.
Fuchsia plants are beloved for their showy, drooping flowers that look like colorful lanterns swaying in the breeze. These stunning blooms come in a rainbow of shades like pink, purple, red, orange, and white. With so many vibrant options to choose from, it’s no wonder fuchsia plant seeds are a top choice among flower gardeners looking to add pops of color to their outdoor spaces.
In this article, we’ll explore some key things to know about fuchsias and where to find fuchsia plant seeds for sale. Let’s dive in!
Fuchsias are a genus of around 110 species of shrubs and trailing plants They are native to Central and South America. The most popular garden varieties are hybrids of Fuchsia magellanica and Fuchsia triphylla.
These delicate-looking plants are actually quite hardy and easy to grow Here are some quick fuchsia facts
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Ideal growing zones are 7-10, though some varieties can tolerate cooler climates.
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Grow best in partial shade or dappled sunlight.
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Prefer rich, well-draining soil. Add compost to improve drainage.
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Bloom profusely from summer through early fall. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
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Many varieties can survive winters outdoors and regrow the following season. In colder climates, grow fuchsias in containers so you can bring them indoors over winter.
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Attract hummingbirds and pollinators like bees and butterflies.
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Edible, berry-like fruits follow the flowers on some varieties.
With proper care, fuchsias will reward you with months of vibrant, dangling flowers that give tropical flair to any garden.
Top Places to Buy Fuchsia Plant Seeds Online
Now that you know a bit about how these colorful plants grow, let’s look at some recommended sources for fuchsia plant seeds for sale online.
Select Seeds
This company offers a nice selection of 13 fuchsia varieties to choose from. You’ll find all the most popular types like ‘Annabelle’, ‘DebRon’s Black Cherry’ and ‘Giant Purple’.
Select Seeds has heirloom, hybrid, and species fuchsias. Their plants and seeds are non-GMO and neonicotinoid-free. All items ship free within the contiguous US.
Plant World Seeds
Based in the UK, Plant World Seeds has been selling seeds internationally for over 35 years. They have 8 types of fuchsia plant seeds ranging from classics like Fuchsia magellanica to rare varieties like Fuchsia vulcanica.
You can buy packets singly or in bulk. Worldwide shipping is available. This vendor is a great option for finding unusual fuchsia species.
Eden Brothers
A family-owned US company, Eden Brothers offers about a dozen types of fuchsia plant seeds.
They have all the essentials like ‘Trailing Fuchsia’ and ‘Swingtime’ plus some unique varieties like the huge-flowered ‘Gartenmeister Bonstedt’.
Burpee
Burpee is one of the most well-known US seed retailers. They offer 5 types of fuchsia seeds including heirloom favorites like ‘Corallina’ and ‘Mrs. Popple’.
As you’d expect from Burpee, the seed quality is excellent. The germination rates are clearly listed for each variety.
Johnny’s Selected Seeds
Primarily catering to commercial growers, Johnny’s nonetheless sells packet sizes perfect for home gardeners.
They offer 4 hybrid trailing fuchsia varieties ideal for hanging baskets. All their seeds are untreated.
How to Plant and Care for Fuchsias Grown from Seed
Growing fuchsias from seeds is rewarding but does require some patience. Here is a quick overview of the process:
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Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before your last spring frost date.
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Use a seed starting mix and keep seeds moist at 65-70°F until they germinate in 1-3 weeks.
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Transplant seedlings to larger containers. Grow on at 60-65°F.
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Harden off plants for 7-10 days before moving them outside after all danger of frost.
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Plant in part sun/part shade areas with rich, humus-y soil.
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Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
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Pinch back tips to encourage bushy growth. Stake tall plants to support heavy flower heads.
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Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering into fall.
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In cold winter zones, dig up plants in fall and overwinter in a cool greenhouse or bright window.
With the right care, fuchsias grown from seed will produce flowers the first year. The plants will get even larger and more floriferous in following seasons.
Fun and Unique Ways to Use Fuchsias in Your Garden
Beyond using fuchsia plants in borders and containers, here are some creative ways to highlight these beauties:
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Create stunning hanging baskets overflowing with trailing fuchsias.
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Plant a fuchsia privacy hedge or living fence.
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Let fuchsias weave through other plants in a flower bed.
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Underplant small trees and shrubs with fuchsias for vivid color.
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Grow fuchsias in pots and place them around a patio or deck.
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Tuck fuchsias into the front of a mixed border for pops of color.
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Plant alongside roses, astilbes, and hostas for beautiful contrast.
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Use fuchsias as edible garnishes on cakes, drinks, and fruit salads.
With so many possibilities, fuchsias are one of the most versatile flowering plants for gardens. A few plants go a long way thanks to their prolific flowers.
Add Vibrancy to Your Garden with Fuchsias
As you can see, it’s easy to incorporate gorgeous fuchsias into your outdoor space by starting with seeds. In no time at all, you’ll have unique flowering plants that attract pollinators and add vibrant color through the seasons.
Check out the reputable online retailers mentioned above to find fuchsia plant seeds for sale. Then pick a few varieties that catch your eye – the hardest part is narrowing down your choices!
With proper planting and care, fuchsias will thrive and delight you with their lantern-like blooms. No flower garden is complete without these hummingbird favorites.
How to collect your crossed fuchsia seeds
I select the plants to be crossed during the winter and carry out the cross-pollination in the early summer. I do this usually in the greenhouse. Once the pollination has been done I let the seed pods develop until theyre fully ripe, either pale green or deep purple with some intermediate colours. As the fruits ripen theyre a target for the birds – if outside – which seem to find them delicious, so its essential, after pollination, to enclose them in a muslin bag. To ensure good germination the fruits must be fully ripened on the plant, the muslin bag protects them if they fall.
The seeds are extracted from the fruit by cutting each segment through the centre using a sharp knife and scraping them out with the blade. They are then placed on to a piece of absorbent kitchen paper to dry. Each cross is cleaned separately and the paper is then marked with the cross which was made. The whole operation is messy as the fruit pulp is very sticky.
The paper-wrapped seeds are then left in a warm room to dry out, which usually takes about seven days. As I usually sow the seeds in late spring (March/April) I store the dried seeds in air tight containers to await sowing. The airtight containers are stored during the winter in a dry cupboard.
Creating unusual fuchsia hybrids from seed
These elegant, fully double blooms provide delicate colour all summer : Fuchsia Happy Wedding Day from T&M
The genus fuchsia has continued to be extensively hybridised and today we have, it is said, over 3600 varieties. This is as it should be, as the fuchsia is a first class garden plant. It has many qualities: a long flowering period, it is easily trained, has very few garden enemies and many colour combinations, which are set off in some varieties by variegated golden and purple coloured foliage. In spite of its easy nature, its a plant which is rarely grown from seed. I often wonder why this is because, if you take the usual care over sowing and growing, many variations in leaf, colour of flower and habit can be obtained.
As an amateur fuchsia hybridist, I usually obtain good results from seed, but of course the resulting plants can be very varied. It is rare however to have plants that are of no garden value and with luck, there are sometimes some real beauties. I always think that when the seedling plants come into flower – and they usually do in the first year – its like having Christmas every day! Its difficult to wait for the flower to fully develop and open, and sometimes the temptation is too great and one is opened just to have a look. But this isnt a good idea as the flower will not then develop naturally.
How to Grow Fuchsia from Seed | Start to Finish | Gardening for Beginners
FAQ
Can fuchsias be grown from seed?
Growing Fuchsia Plants from Seed
Use seed starting mix or combine equal parts of sterile potting soil, vermiculite, and peat moss as the growing medium and place in seed starting trays. Place seeds on the surface and cover with a thin layer of potting mix, making sure the seeds have good contact with the soil.
Do fuchsias come back every year?
- These fuchsias can withstand frost and can be grown in the ground or in containers.
- They may lose their foliage in winter, but they will regrow in spring.
- Hardy fuchsias are often pruned back in spring to encourage new growth.
Do fuchsias like sun or shade?
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Partial Shade is Ideal:Many fuchsia varieties thrive in partial shade or dappled sunlight, with a few hours of direct sun per day being acceptable.
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Morning Sun is Best:If some direct sunlight is necessary, morning sun is generally preferred over the harsh afternoon sun.
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Avoid Intense Heat:Fuchsias are sensitive to heat and can suffer from wilting or leaf burn if exposed to prolonged, intense sunlight.
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Climate Matters:In cooler climates, fuchsias can tolerate more direct sunlight, but in warmer, sunnier areas, they will benefit from protection from the hottest hours.
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Wind Protection:Fuchsias also appreciate a sheltered location, as they can be susceptible to wind damage, especially the larger flowering varieties.
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Soil:Fuchsias need moist but well-drained soil.
Are fuchsias better in pots or ground?
Planting: Any pot will work as long as it has drainage holes. Never plant them deeper than they were growing. Make sure the planting soil is moist before planting.
How do you grow a fuchsia plant?
Prepare the growing medium: Fill a seed tray or small pots with a well-draining seed-starting mix. Make sure the medium is moist but not soggy. Sow the seeds: Place the fuchsia seeds on top of the soil, spacing them a few inches apart. Lightly press the seeds into the soil, but do not bury them too deep.
Can you grow Fuchsias from seeds?
Fuchsias are beautiful flowering plants that come in a variety of colors and forms, and growing them from seed allows you to explore the endless possibilities. While germinating fuchsia seeds can be a bit challenging, with the right method and some patience, you can successfully start your own fuchsia plants from seeds.
What is a fuchsia flower?
Renowned for their pendulous, lantern-like flowers in vibrant shades of pink, purple, red, and white, Fuchsia adds elegance and colour to borders, containers, and hanging baskets. Their blooms, which often have contrasting sepals and petals, are beloved by gardeners and pollinators alike.
Where do fuchsia flowers grow?
Their blooms, which often have contrasting sepals and petals, are beloved by gardeners and pollinators alike. Native to Central and South America, New Zealand, and Tahiti, Fuchsia thrives in rich, well-drained soils and prefers partially shaded locations, though some species tolerate full sun in cooler climates.
How long does it take Fuchsia seeds to germinate?
Wait for germination: Be patient and monitor the seeds regularly. It can take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks for the fuchsia seeds to germinate. Once the seedlings start to emerge, remove the plastic cover and place them in a bright location with indirect sunlight.
How do you grow Fuchsia seeds in winter?
Benefits from a protective layer of mulch to protect the crown in winter. How to germinate Fuchsia seeds: Surface sow seed as it needs light to germinate. Press seed into sandy compost surface layer and tamp firm. Mist well. Plastic cover greatly improves success.