Hi Bob

It depends on what type of plant you want as to how you treat it but knowing that you are new to growing fuchsias I would suggest that you stick to a basic bush or shrub type of growth for now, we can get you growing standards, pyramids and fans later.

Let the plant grow another set of leaves (that will give you six and the growing tip) then pinch out this new one and the tip (leaving you 5) an odd number of shoot from the stem (breaks) always produces a more evenly balanced plant.

This tip and a pair of leaves can then be treated as a cutting (start) as described in the FAQÂs of the forum or in the book.

Remove any buds at this time as they take the strength from the plant, the presence of buds would suggest that the plant is under some kind of stress. Now that could be any number of things from over/under watering, too warm/cold, over/under potted, lack of light, an attack by pests or disease or any combination of these. Have a look at your plant and try to identify the cause, mind you having said that there are some varieties that habitually throw buds on cuttings so donÂt worry about it.

And yes we are one and the same, and thanks for your kind comments about the book, I really must think about publishing it again.

Tight Â..