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Check
out breeders’ hot varieties to get a head start on next season.
by Cynthia L.
McGowan
As you sell this year’s selection of poinsettias,
pay close attention to what customers are favoring. Does red
continue to dominate? Do they want big, showy plants, or are
smaller varieties the trend in your area? By taking note of
consumer preferences this year, you’ll be in a better position
for ordering for next season. And to help you with that, we
asked breeders to show us their new selections of poinsettias
for next fall and Christmas. Take a look at the varieties that
they predict will delight consumers in 2011.
poinsettia care
LIGHT Poinsettias require at
least six hours of bright indirect (diffused) sunlight every
day.
WATER These plants require
moderately moist soil at all times. When the soil surface is dry
to the touch, water them thoroughly, saturating the soil
completely, then allow them to drain; do not allow pots to sit
in water. Water plants immediately if leaves/bracts begin to
wilt.
TEMPERATURE Average room
temperatures (60 F to 70 F) are required—65 F to 70 F during the
daytime and 60 F to 65 F at night. Cool conditions prolong bloom
time. Never expose plants to temperatures above 70 F or below 50
F for extended periods.
HUMIDITY Poinsettias thrive
in humid air, so in dry interior environments, place pots on a
pebble tray, mist leaves frequently or place a humidifier in the
room. Keep plants away from hot and cold drafts as well as the
heat and dry air emitted by appliances, fireplaces or
ventilating ducts.
FERTILIZER Plant food is not
necessary while poinsettias are in bloom although plants
purchased early in the season can benefit from a
high-phosphorous fertilizer applied every two weeks.
bonus web feature
Add value to your
poinsettia orders with the free
Poinsettia Care and Getting
Poinsettias to Rebloom
downloadable tags we’ve created
for you to give to your customers. |
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