Poinsettias on trial

Growers expose the cultivars to a variety of growing conditions and evaluate their performance. Data is taken and recommendations are made for the future of these cultivars in the poinsettia industry. Important qualities for retailers, outside of spectacular colour, include a plants ability to survive shipping and selling during the cold winter months. Poinsettias are notoriously susceptible to drafts.

Among the other traits that are being bred into poinsettias are: lasting bract color under poor light conditions, lasting foliage under post-production conditions of poor watering schedules, bruise resistance, and plants that can survive plastic sleeving and shipping without dropping leaves.

Retailers are drawn to varieties with oak-like leaves because they look more festive. They also prefer plants with a V-shape, as they tend to be sturdier.

Different shades of red remain the most shopped-for colour, at 75 per cent of the market however poinsettias are now available in carnation pink, salmon, burgundy, white and more. Their names are as attractive as their petals: Cortez Red, Cranberry Punch, Flirt, Galaxy Red, Marblestar, Nutcracker Pink, Monet, Plum Pudding, Silverstar White, Sonora Fire, Victory Red, White Christmas, Spotlight Apricot, and Pearl are among some of the cultivars.

Can you keep your poinsettia growing after Christmas and get it to rebloom next year? Yes, but don’t expect results as beautiful as if grown under controlled greenhouse conditions.

After Christmas continue to water this plant when dry. After all danger of frost has passed next spring, you can cut it back by one third to prevent it from becoming lanky, repot it and move it outdoors in a semi-shady spot.

In September bring it back inside and expose the plant to 10 hours of bright light and 14 hours of darkness. I know some people who have faithfully carried their poinsettia in and out of a closet for the required eight-week period, but I had sporadic blooming simply by putting the plant in an east window.

Fertilize bi-weekly half strength with a water-soluble fertilizer.