Poinsettias

Late Winter/Early Spring

Poinsettias have long-lasting blooms so their colorful bracts (flowers) remain showy for several months. During this time, side shoots develop below the bracts. To have a well-shaped plant the following year, cut each of the old flowering stems or branches back so that they are about 4″-6″tall. Leave one to three leaves on each of the old stems; new growth comes from buds located in the leaf axils along these stems. Cutting the plant back in February or early March helps the buds grow and develop.  Keep your Poinsettia in a sunny area where the temperature is between 60° and 70°and fertilize every 2 weeks.

Late Spring and Summer

Between July and the first week in August prune all the stems to about 4 inches inheight, leaving one to three leaves on each stem.

Fall

In order for the Poinsettia bracts to turn color again, the plant must be kept in complete darkness for 12-15 hours from the end of September until color shows in the bracts in early to mid-December. The temperature should remain between 60° and 70°. Night temperatures above 70° to 75° may delay or prevent the plant from turning color. Hopefully you’ll have a beautiful plant in time for Christmas.