A Miniature Manual for Fuchsia Culture 
2. By G. NIEDERHOLZER 
Real Joy Comes to Those Who Grow Fuchsias to Perfection. 
To Succeed, "Observe and Respond" to These Suggestions: 
Secure your plants from sources that can be relied upon to 
furnish properly raised plants of desirable varieties, correctly 
named. Choose the kind that is suitable for certain conditions. 
Soil—Is to be rich in humus, water absorbing by the addition of leaf mold, peat 
and organic fertilizer well mixed in. Loose subsoil is necessary to provide for 
drainage. 
Water—Keep soil damp at all times and frequently give overhead shower and a fine 
moderately sharp spray on the underside of foliage to discourage aphids, white 
flies, thrips and spittel bugs. 
Air—Should at all times contain a great deal of humidity by keeping walks and walls 
or fences wet. Strong wind or sharp draft is to be avoided. 
Light—ls essential; hot and direct afternoon sunshine is to most varieties harmful. 
Give morning sun only, wherever possible; or sunshine filtered through trees or 
overhead lattice work. Dark walls or fences in a shady place should be painted 
a light reflecting color. 
Fertilizers—First choice is cow manure with lots of fibrous, organic material. Second 
choice is any mammal or bird manure. Third choice is commercial combinations. 
Fourth choice would be pure chemicals if used with special care and knowledge. 
Insect Pest Control—Persistent vigilance and frequent use of sprays to keep pests 
out of your garden is much more effective than trying to drive them out after 
occupation. Insecticides are plentiful—ask a responsible dealer. 
Care of Growing Plants—Most varieties have brittle branches and require protec- 
tion by stakes, by lattice work or by fastening to walls or fences. In order to 
shape plants to fit requirements or wishes eliminate all unwanted growth at any 
time. To extend flowering season and to improve the quality of blooms pick all 
flowers as soon as they have passed the prime of their life. Never let seed pods 
or berries grow. Hoeing near the plants is bad. A three to five inches deep 
mulch of some organic litter held down around the plant as far as the roots 
are suspected to spread and kept moist will keep the soil loose and cool in 
summer, also provide the best protection against frost in winter. 
Pruning—At the season of complete or near dormancy is essential to produce new 
growth which in turn gives the best flowers. All vigorous branches should be cut 
back to one or two pairs of dormant buds. The very spindly twigs and those 
interfering with others are best eliminated entirely by gently breaking them off 
at their base. All pruning has to be controlled by the consideration of what the 
plant is desired to be like in the future. Parts of plants damaged by frost should 
be cut out entirely. Plants frozen down to the ground will produce good new 
plants from the roots if protected by a mulch. 
A Lattice Conservatory or Lath House—Is the greatest boon to the fuchsia special- 
ist. It provides the basis for the nearest imitation of the jungle atmosphere in 
which fuchsias feel at home. It will offer to you the chances to join the ranks of 
fuchsia connoisseurs who grow the best varieties to real perfection. 


