A Miniature Manual for Fuchsia Culture 
Anyone desirous of joining the Niederholzer Fuchsia Association may do so by sending 
$1.00 to Rosalie Rooney, 3382 Clay St., San Francisco, California. 
Soil. Is to be rich in humus, water absorbing by the addition of leaf mold, peat and or- 
ganic 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 mod- 
erately 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. In shady places paint dark walls or fences 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 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 flower- 
ing 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 tidal wave 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 specia loccasions. 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 especiaily important for hanging pot plants. 
Plants for Full Sunshine All Day Long. Are not any too many. Since the intensity of sun- 
shine varies so much in even close vicinity no attempt is advisable for positive state- 
ments; however, it will be useful to consider that small single varieties in darker colors 
will do best. Next would come single red flowers like Marinka or Firefly, also Flame, 
Peewee Rose and Conchilla. Some fine old ones would be Schiller, Nonpareil, any of 
the Triphylla Hybrids and most species. Of the new varieties the beautiful Scarlet Baby 
seems to be supreme for full sunshine. 
The Use of Fuchsias for Their Decorative Value in making corsages, table decorations 
and other flower arrangements is remarkably progressing. To increase the keeping 
qualities use only flowers that have not fully reached their prime of life; i.e. before the 
pollen is ripe (or dusty). Pick them (blooms only and no leaves) early in the morning 
before the sun has struck them, after you have thoroughly watered the plants the 
previous night. Keep them cool and wet all the time until used. Tie them in clusters 
for best effect. A fine cold spray on the finished arrangement is very beneficial, while 
little moisture seems to be absorbed through the stems of the flowers. : 
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