growing a half standard fuchsia

getting tall richard, when will you take lower leaves off? mine went mad while i was away so ended up with a column, but i like it neither the less, good luck with this one

I am just forming the top Sandra, pinching out at every third pair of leaves (and then every second pair for the ones that come out at their joints ).After a few more branches have formed I'll start to remove the lower leaves.

yep i got ya richard, cant wait to see it next year, then you should have a good shape and flowers hopefully :o))

Yes Sandra with a bit of luck I may get a picture to show you this year I am still hopeful.

great, will keep my eyes peeled lol

OK, stooopid question time!
What's a "half standard"??

Hi Marie ....when growing fuchsias' there are recognised categories (not sure if this applies to any other plants) sorry not converted to SI (metric!)

Quarter Standard 10" to 18" clear length of stem
Half Standard 18" to 30" clear length of stem
Full Standard. 30" to 42" clear length of stem
I believe it usually takes 2 years in order to get a full standard as you need to keep it growing through the winter also.

Ok, thanks Richard. I keep hearing these phrases, & didn't have the foggiest idea what they meant!!

your right richard, full standard you shouldnt let it fower first year if possible to get a good shape and show of flowers when grown to its full size, nip off any buds till then

Thats when I lost most of mine Homebird over the winter (indoors) but mine were too dry (I had forgotten about them in the other room) I'll be a bit more careful next time round.