General growing requirements

Maintaining a vigorous, healthy plant during the growing season is one of the first requirements necessary to ensure that the plant can survive the long period
of rest or dormancy. A perennial plant must be able to produce sufficient
growth and food reserves if it is to maintain itself and put forth new growth again the following spring. During the growing season, fertilize weekly with a weak complete
soluble fertilizer high in phosphorous
such as 15-30-15.
These flowering plants may continue to produce
an abundance of flowers until frost stops all further growth and activity.
In preparation for the approaching season’s
end, you should cease fertilizer applications
at least two weeks before you anticipate bringing it indoors. Watering should be reduced to a great extent, but not to the point where the root system will die.

Growing and Overwintering Fuchsia, Geranium, Dahlia

Fuchsia, geranium, dahlia and tuberous begonia are perennials that will not overwinter
outside in Alaska. These plants are native to much warmer climates. Special care and an indoor overwintering site are required to keep these plants from year to year in Alaska. The extra work does have its rewards: each of these plants have large showy flowers.