A MINIATURE MANUAL FOR FUCHSIA CULTURE 
BY G. NIEDERHOLZER 
Real Joy Comes to Those Who Grow Fuchsias to Perfection. 
To Succeed, “Observe and Respond” to These Suggestions: 
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. A good 
mixture is made of one third leaf mold, one third good soil and one third well rotted 
manure. 
Water—Keep soil damp at all times and frequently give overhead shower and a fine moder- 
ately 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—Is 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 vigilence and frequent use of sprays to keep pests out of your 
garden is much more effective than trying to drive them out after occupation. Insecti- 
cides are plentiful—ask a responsible dealer. 
Care of Growing Plants—Most varieties have brittle branches and require protection 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 specialist. 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. 
Pot Culture—As the wave of interest in the new fuchsias spreads to many parts of the 
country where the climate is less favorable to out door growing, pot culture gains in 
importance. But even in the most favored Pacific Coast regions potted plants are highly 
treasured for periodical display on porches, verandas, on steps leading to home entrances 
and even for limited times indoors on special occasions. Plants in ordinary unglazed 
pots need watering every day. Glazed pots will hold moisture better. In either case 
extra rich soil and more feeding in liquid form during the flowering season is needed. 
This is especially important for hanging pot plants. 
