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Fuchsia tilletiana
You may start the seeds in individual, small containers 2" (5 cm) tall. The soil mix should be loose and well-draining. A good mix is equal parts of potting soil and perlite. Fill each container with the soil mix and water it until it is uniformly moist (but not soggy). Don't compress the soil. Place a seed on top, and sprinkle a thin layer of soil over it - just enough to barely cover the seed. Water the top soil layer carefully, and place the pots in bright light, but not in direct sun. The ideal temperatures are 65-75°F (18-24°C) during the day, and 60-65°F (15-18°C) at night.
Until the seeds sprout, ensure that the top layer of soil does not dry out, but don't keep it soggy either. If you enclose the pots in a plastic container to maintain humidity, open it at least once daily to allow fresh air to enter.
The seeds should start sprouting in 4 weeks, although allow up to 8 weeks for any slow ones to sprout. If any seeds do not sprout after 8 weeks, enclose the pots in a plastic bag and place them in the refrigerator for 8 weeks. This may improve germination by simulating the passage of winter.
I recommend growing them indoors until they're at least a few inches tall. You may use a fluorescent bulb kept about 4-6 inches (12 cm) from the plants. You can also put them in well-filtered sunlight. Over about 40% humidity is recommended. A well-ventilated spot is best, to prevent stem rot.
This Fuchsia has average fertilizer needs. But most potting soils contain fertilizer, so no feeding should be needed the first 3-4 weeks. When the plant goes dormant in winter, stop feeding and watering, although don't let the soil get bone-dry.
Pests to watch for - whitefly, aphids, scale (little lumps on the stems or leaves), mealybugs.
If you have any questions, feel free to email me.
Jeff
Strange Wonderful Things
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