Small Pot Culture
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 Whatever
you think about the merits of ' Small Pot Culture ', 3.5" to
4" pots, there is no doubt that there are quite a number of
people who like to grow and show, this size of Fuchsia. It is no
mean feat, to deliver a small pot covered all over with blooms.
I think that
one reason for the popularity, is the fact that it doesn't take
as much room to either grow or transport. In a small garden, space
is at a premium, you can of course grow more different varieties
in your available space.
The criticism
of this method of growing Fuchsias is that it is not natural, too
much like 'Bonsai' ing the fuchsia to achieve the small compact
shape with masses of blooms all over. Make no mistake, to achieve
this result, a tremendous amount of skill, ability and patience
is required, but with practice it can be done.
It is most
satisfying to grow in this manner but is quite demanding of your
time. It is more critical, the time needed to keep the plant watered,
it does dry out quickly, especially when the plant is growing fast
and in the hotter weather. The small pot must not be allowed to
dry out or the fine roots will die and retard the growth. It is
advisable to use capillary matting under the plants to supplement
the watering and give humidity for the plants.
To achieve
some degree of success, you need to start early with either an autumn
cutting or if you buy in your cuttings, a very early cutting, these
to be grown with heat during the winter period.
Starting so
early, gives you the necessary time for the pinching out that is
needed, to gain the shape and framework to the plant.
Give the
method a try, it can be achieved, you won't get early flowers but
when it does flower, it is well worth the time involved to see the
masses of blooms.
Nearly all
the suggested varieties in ' Small Pot' sections are small single
flower cultivars, not many doubles lend themselves to this growing
technique with having large blooms, although more small doubles
are being hybridised.
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