Fuchsia

Fuchsias

Happy Lights & Electric Lights

These two fuchsia offer a sun hardy option for growers. They have a compact mounded habit that is well suited for 4” - 6” pots, quarts and 1 gallon programs. Typical crop timing is 11-19 weeks including time in propagation.

Fuchsia is available from the Paul Ecke Ranch as an unrooted or rooted cutting.

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In the Greenhouse…….

Propagation
Fuschia's can be propagated in various tray sizes including 72,84, and 105’s.

Media

Choose a well-drained aerated propagation media

Avoid media containing peat moss which will hold too much water

Choose a blended media with other components or inorganic media such as Oasis® or Rockwool®

Bottom Heat

Bottom heat will promote healthy root development.
Maintain bottom heat at 70-75°F/21-24°C.
Mist will cool the media temperature. Monitor media temperature closely and frequently.

Rooting Hormones

Fuchsia roots easily without the use of rooting hormone. However, time to root and uniformity in rooting may be improved with use of a hormone.
Either liquid or powder formulations work equally well. Choose a product with up to 2500 ppm IBA or up to 500 ppm NAA.

Misting

Average days with mist vary from 3-7 days or until callus formation takes place depending on environmental conditions in the greenhouse.
Mist cuttings so they remain turgid but avoid over misting that results in saturated media.
Over misting will result in slow rooting and possible problems with root rot and botrytis.

Fertilizing

Begin fertilizing once roots initials have formed.
Fertilize once weekly with 20-10-20 at 50-75 ppm.
Starting in week 3 fertilize twice weekly with 20-10-20 at 150-200 ppm.

Pinching

Pinch cuttings as roots have formed to prevent stretch and control height.

Growth Regulating

B-Nine® or Cycocel® can be applied as sprays to prevent stretch.
Begin applications approximately 1 week after sticking with 1500 ppm B-Nine or 1500 ppm Cycocel®.
Spray weekly as needed until transplanting.

Propagation Cycle: 5 weeks

Growing ON……….

Media
Choose a media with the following traits:

Good aeration
Porosity between 5-15%
Sterile

Irrigation /Fertilization

Avoid excess irrigation and fertilization while plants are establishing which can lead to slow root development. Established plants should not be allowed to dry excessively which will result in leaf yellowing and leaf drop.
Fertilizer Regime

Begin fertilizing 2 weeks after transplant.
Choose a complete balanced fertilizer complete with minor elements.
A periodic feeding of 200 ppm constant liquid feed.
A slow release product may also be used to supplement a constant liquid feed program and may provide improved performance for the consumer.

Maintain pH between 5.5-6.0
Optimum EC is 2 mmhos. Provide periodic clear water application if excess salts accumulate.

Temperature/Humidity
Fuchsia can be grown successfully at a wide range of temperatures but for best results the crop should be established warm. As root growth and top growth begins temperatures can be reduced.

Temperature regime:

Establishing temperature: 65°F/18°C average daily temperature

Temperatures for growing on: 65-75°F/18-23°C day and 60-60°F/15-18°C night.
At lower temperatures:

Flowering will be promoted.
Growth will be slower and time in production longer.

At warmer temperatures:

Time to flower will be longer

Relative Humidity:
Maintain relative humidity below 70% and provide good air circulation to avoid problems with botrytis.

Light
Fuchsia prefers bright light.
Provide:

5000 foot candles/53,800 lux minimum
6000 foot candles/64,600 lux maximum

* Shade may be required to avoid high temperatures but can encourage stretch and delay flowering.
*Plants grown outdoors in full sun stay compact and may yellow in response to high light.

Spacing
Establish plants pot tight than space to:

4” pots – 5-6” centers (approximately 2 per sq. ft.)
6” pots/1 gallon – 14” centers
8” pots – 18” centers

Pinching
1st Pinch- in propagation when roots are present.
2nd Pinch- pinch once established (2-3 weeks after transplant).
Additional Pinch- trim to shape or control height. Mature plants will flower in 8-9 weeks.

A Florel® application will enhance branching. Trial rates on each variety before applying to the entire crop. A good starting rate would be 250-300 ppm made two weeks after transplant.

Plant Growth Regulators
Good light levels and a negative DIF will control stretch. If necessary, Fuchsia responds to:

B-Nine as a spray at 3000 ppm
Bonzi® as a spray at 5-10 ppm
Sumagic® as a spray at 2-5 ppm

*Apply any PGR applications prior to visible bud set to avoid delay in time to flower.

Insect and Disease Concerns
Insects

Aphids
Fungus Gnats
Spider Mites
Thrips
Whiteflies

Diseases

Botrytis
Root and stem rots
Rust

For recommended chemical controls for disease and insects please consult The Flower Fields Federal Disease Control Chart (463K) and The Flower Fields Federal Insect & Mite Control Chart (541K) at www.ecke.com. Always consult the chemical’s label for rates, mixing instructions and restrictions.

Troubleshooting
SYMPTOM: Leaf Scorch
Possible Solutions:

Check for excessive light levels and temperature.
Increase relative humidity.

SYMPTOM: Excessive vegetative growth
Possible Solutions:

Increase fertility rates specifically nitrogen.

SYMPTOM: Poor Branching
Possible Solutions:

Reduce nitrogen levels in fertilizer especially if plants are subject to low light level.
Reduce moisture levels in the media especially if plants are subject to low light levels.

SYMPTOM: Excessive flowering and poor vegetative growth
Possible Solutions:

Reduce light levels.
Reduce temperatures.

SYMPTOM: Stunted growth
Possible Solutions:

Check roots for presence of root rotting diseases.
Check EC levels and maintain below 2.5 mmhos.
Increase temperatures

SYMPTOM: Reddish spots on foliage
Possible Solutions:

Check tissue for phosphorus deficiency.
Raise temperatures as phosphorus deficiency will be more prolific with cold temperatures.

CROP SCHEDULING

Product Form	# Liners per pot	Weeks to establish	Weeks to flower after pinch	Total crop time (weeks)
4”/quart	1	1-2	6-7	6-8
6” / 1 gallon	2	1-2	6-7	8-10
8”	3	1-2	6-7	10-12
10-12"	4-5	2-3	6-7	12-14

* Happy Lights and Electric Lights are day neutral varieties and flower easily throughout production, even early spring. The crop schedule listed above is the timing required to attain a sizable plant relative to container size, not just time to flower.

If you have questions about Fuchsia Electric Lights and Happy Lights in production please post your question on our live bulletin board at www.EckeRanchTechHelp.com or call 760-753-1134 and choose option#3 for Technical Support.

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