It is possible to grow fuchsias from commercial seed. No expensive equipment is needed; it can be done in your kitchen. The seeds have a very high germination rate and produce plants in a very few months. The flowers will be mostly small, single and bi-colored in whites, blues, pinks and reds. There can be an occasional cute curiosity. The seed source for these is generally The Netherlands.
Thompson and Morgan name their mix 'Fuseedia Mixed F-2 Hybrid'. Park names theirs 'Foxtrot Mix'. Park is also offering 'Swing'; they are apparently closing that one out. This is the only one I have never grown; it is apparently a rosy-red and whit producing a few doubles, some semi-doubles and many singles. In recent years this variety has been listed in many catalogues.
To plant, use a good quality growing medium such as Supersoil or Jiffy Mix, no garden soil. These mixes can be difficult to hydrate; they are often very dry when purchased. Pour large amounts of water into the mix, stir until the whole amount is damp and seal the plastic bag to prevent drying out.
Use either a new four-inch plastic containers or new six-cell planting packs. Fill the containers to the top and water them. The seeds are small but can be handled. They are to be planted onto the surface of the medium (despite what Thompson and Morgan says on their envelope about covering lightly with vermiculite—they need light to sprout.) These containers must be entirely free of garden soil to prevent damping off.
There are several ways to drop the seeds onto the medium. One is to drop the seeds into the left palm and pick up one at a time with the thumb and index finger of the right hand; yes, it is possible, but who ever said that everything is this world is easy? Another way is to crease a small piece of paper lengthwise, distribute the seeds along the crease, then gently tap the paper to drop one seed at a time onto the medium. Many seed and garden supply houses offer various seeders, which will handle even tiny seeds. I use seed spoons, a ridiculously simple but very effective tool. There are two spoons in a package, providing four different sized tiny depressions for picking up the seeds. I bought mine from Peaceful Valley Farm & Supply.
Once the seeds are sown, gently spritz them or run a light trickle of water over them. The containers can then be placed into a plastic bag or a propagator with a clear dome. The seeds will germinate more quickly if placed in a warm spot such as the back of the stovetop. (Remove the container before cooking anything!) The seeds sprout more quickly with bottom heat. A 'Seedling Heat Mat' works extremely well, but is not essential. Heat mats can be purchased through many seed and garden supply companies. They are extremely helpful in rooting cuttings, also.
A bright windowsill is a good spot for growing the seedlings, too. Do not allow direct sunlight to hit them. The seeds should sprout in one to four months.
The seeds can be transplanted as soon as they germinate by pricking them out with a flat toothpick and placing them on the top of rooting medium in another clean container. Te seedling roots develop slowly so they can be transplanted in one to seven days. They must be kept moist by placing the containers into plastic bags or the clear top propagator.
An alternative way is to permit the seedlings to continue to grow in the original containers. Separate the seedlings after they have developed one or two true seedling leaves. The mass of plants and soil is carefully removed from the container and laid on its side. The plants are then carefully separated by gently manipulating the mass with the flats of the fingers. They are handled only by the roots. Even closely spaced plants can be safely separated in this way. Still handling only by the roots, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
To prevent legginess, it is best to provide as much light as possible during the whole process. A fluorescent plant light is helpful but not essential.
This method is the same as used to grow fuchsias from hybridized or open pollinated seeds. In that case, the berry (seed pod) is ripened on the plant. The berry is then cut open on a piece of paper; the seeds are scraped out and placed in a cup of water. The clinging pulp is then worked until the seeds are free. The water is carefully poured off and the seeds are planted as soon as possible after they are dry enough to handle.
Some fuchsia wizard in Holland has developed the seeds for seed houses to sell. Hopefully, this will encourage some amateur wizards to gather open pollinated berries from their plants and grow them on. We Particularly need mite-resistant plants if fuchsia culture is to flourish.
Sources:
Jackson and Morgan Seedsmen, Inc. Jackson, NJ
Phone: 800-274-7333 Fax: 888-44=66-4769

Park Seed Co. Greenwood, SC
Phone: 800-845-3369 Fax: 800-275-9941

For 'seed spoons'
Peaceful Valley Farm & Garden Supply, Grass Valley, CA
Phone: 888-784-1722

For other distributors: www.seedspoon.com

For 'seedling heat mats'
Park Seed Co. (above)

Stokes, Buffalo, NY
Phone: 800-396-9238 Fax: 888-834-3334