THE FUCHSIA 



more branches there are the more flowering- 

 points your plant has. 



If your plants do not seem to be making as 

 strong a growth as you think they ought, 

 apply a good fertilizer once a week until they 

 reach the vigor you demand of them. They 

 will stand feeding better than most plants. 



In the fall, when flowering ceases, give less 

 water than you have been giving throughout 

 the season, and let the plant get ready for cold 

 storage. Put it in the cellar in November, and 

 leave it there until March. Never mind if it 

 drops its leaves. The plant will not be injured 

 by losing them. Aim to keep it as nearly dor- 

 mant as possible while it is resting. When you 

 bring it up in March, water it well and place 

 it in the light. It will soon start into growth. 

 Then and not till then go over the plant 

 and cut it back severely. Cut away at least 

 one half its old branches. Keep in mind the 

 fact that flowers will only be produced on new 

 growth, also that severe pruning induces the 

 formation of many new and vigorous branches, 

 and you want as many as possible of these. 

 At this time fresh earth can be given. Pruning 

 should be deferred until growth sets in, in order 

 to know what branches it is safe to cut back. 



174. 



