Garden Column for the Salisbury Post

Darrell Blackwelder

November 23, 2004

 Rowan County Junior Master Gardener students had the opportunity to visit one of the largest poinsettia producers in North Carolina last week. Students and leaders were fascinated by what looked like a sea of red and other brilliant poinsettia colors at Rockwell Farms in Rockwell.

Thanksgiving is the official signal for the beginning of the Christmas holidays.  Poinsettias are now being wrapped, bowed and shipped out in preparation for the Christmas season.

     Poinsettia production is a major floral crop for local greenhouse producers. Poinsettia production begins in August with rooted cuttings and by late October poinsettias are showing color.

     Poinsettia color and blooms respond to daylength. This type of plant is often referred to as photoperiodic plants. Shorter day lengths reduce green pigments in the modified leaves (bracts) revealing bright color pigments.

     Growers have the ability to provide shade or add light to poinsettia plants which alters the time of color. Artificial shade promotes bract color early in the season while adding light plants delays color for extending the season.

     Poinsettias provide beauty for at least 3 weeks. Some of the newer cultivars, under good conditions, may last for months.  The length of beauty depends on the maturity of the plant at purchase, when the plant was purchased and the amount of care given when the plant arrives.

 "Freedom" is a popular red poinsettia grown by many producers.  The red variety is striking with large bracts. This cultivar is now available in other colors such as white, pink and "Jingle Bells".  Poinsettias are available in different colors and bract shapes. “Plum Pudding” is a purple variety; “Pink Peppermint”, “Jingle Belles” and “Christmas Rose” are other examples of varying poinsettia colors and shapes.

     Indoors, poinsettias need to be placed in an area that receives bright light, either natural or artificial. Avoid temperature fluctuations and drafts.  Poinsettias were grown at temperatures of 60 to 65 degrees.  Avoid cold drafts from doorways or excess heat from television or heating ducts.  Plants last longer in rooms where the temperature is no cooler than 50 degrees.

     Examine the plant often and water when the soil looks or feels dry.  Frequency of watering depends upon indoor temperatures and the type of container. Make sure the container has proper drainage since water soaked media kills poinsettias.

   Containers that are wrapped in decorative foil should have a hole punched in the bottom to allow for proper drainage.  The plant should be place on a saucer to prevent damage to furniture.

     Poinsettias have been mistakenly labeled as poisonous plants.  Poinsettia bract and foliage are not toxic, but the plants are intended for ornamental purposes only. 

The best poinsettia plants sell out soon after Thanksgiving, so check ads from local producers.  Purchase your holiday plant soon for enjoyment over the upcoming holidays.

Darrell Blackwelder is an agricultural agent in charge of horticulture with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in Rowan County. For archived garden columns or other information, visit the Rowan County Master Gardener web site at www.rowanmastergardener.com , e-mail Darrell_Blackwelder@ncsu.edu