Poinsettias for Sale

Many people like to save their poinsettia plant and re-flowered it next Christmas. Scheduling a poinsettia to re-bloom is not difficult, but you need to follow an exact year-long procedure. First, continue to water the soil in the pot until early April.

In April, cut the stems back to about 4 inches above the soil. Replant into a new container that is 1 to 2 inches larger in diameter, adding new soilless potting mix. Many good commercial potting mixes are available. Do not use soil from the garden as it may contain diseases. Water the soil thoroughly when the surface of the soil feels dry to the touch. Place the plant near a sunny window (east or southern exposure is ideal) and at temperatures between 65 – 75°F.

New shoots will appear within a few weeks. Start to fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a water soluble fertilizer such as Miracle-Gro™, Peters™, or Schultz™ according to package directions.

By mid-to late-May (if danger of frost in your area is low), move poinsettia outdoors in a lightly shaded location, such as under a shade tree for the summer. You may wish to submerge the pot in a hole so that it does not fall over on windy days. Continue watering and fertilizing the plant as needed through the summer.

Starting in early July, lightly pinch each stem (remove 1 inch of shoot tip) to encourage branching. In late August, add a second pinch, leaving 3-4 leaves on each shoot. After this second pinch, bring the plant indoors (or late September), and place it in a sunny window. Keep the plant at a temperature of 65 to 70°F at night and continue watering and fertilizing.

Poinsettias are short-day plants, e.g. they initiate flowers about 10 weeks after daylength shortens to 12 hours or less. This part requires your complete dedication: keep the plant in complete darkness between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. from early October until Thanksgiving Day for a total of 6 weeks. During this interval, any kind of light exposure between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. will delay flowering. Putting plant in a closet or covering with a black sheet are two popular options. Over the daytime hours move the plant near a sunny window and continue watering and fertilizing your poinsettia.

Happy Holidays!