Poinsettia Care

BY KIM HUGHES –

The poinsettias are here!  Every year, Polk County 4-H sells poinsettias as a fundraiser to support educational programs for 4-H members.  These are floral quality and come directly from Arkansas’ largest greenhouse growers and cost $10 each.  They come in 6” floral wrapped pots in seven different colors – red, white, pink, marble, maroon, merlot and jingle bell.  Call or come by the office soon before we sell out.

The poinsettia requires bright light and should be kept away from drafts.  A temperature between 65 and 70 degrees is ideal.  Avoid temperatures below 60 degrees and above 75 degrees.  Keep plants well watered but do not overwater.

Gardeners frequently ask whether they can carry their poinsettias over to bloom again next year.  It is questionable whether the results are worth the effort as the quality of homegrown plants seldom equals that of commercially grown plants.  However, for those who wish to try, the following procedure can be followed.  After the bracts fade or fall, set the plants where they will receive indirect light and temperatures, around 55 – 60 degrees.  Water them sparingly during this time.  Cut the plants back to within about 5 inches from the ground and re-pot in fresh soil.

As soon as new growth begins, place in a well-lighted window.  After danger of frost, place the pot out of doors in a partially shaded spot.  Pinch the new growth back to get a plant with several stems.  Do not pinch after September 1.  About Labor Day, or as soon as the nights are cool, bring the plant indoors.  Continue to grow them in a sunny room with a night temperature of about 65 degrees.

The poinsettia blooms only during short days.  To initiate blooms exclude artificial light, either by covering with a lightproof box each evening or placing in an unlighted room or closet for a minimum of 12 hours of darkness.  Plants require full light in the daytime, so be sure to return them to a sunny window.  Start the short day treatment in about mid-September to have blooms between December 1 and Christmas.

For more information about 4-H clubs or anything gardening related, call the Extension Service at 394-6018 or come by 211 DeQueen Street.

Jeri Pearson

Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.

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