Keeping Your Poinsettias Blooming Through The Holidays – AG Matters

Grandma's house was always filled with Poinsettia's at Christmas time and she always had them looking beautiful. The Master Gardeners at Cornell Cooperative Extension  have tips on keeping them looking so good even Grandma would be jealous.

Poinsettia Blooms come in an array of colors including red, white, pink, yellow, and bicolor. When you bring your poinsettia home, place it near a sunny window or in another well-lighted area. If you place it near a window, be sure none of the leaves touch the cold window panes, and keep it out of drafty areas. If you want to extend its bloom time, place it in a cooler room at night.

Your poinsettia should be in a pot with good drainage. When you water, soak thoroughly but then discard any excess water so your plant isn’t sitting in water. Water only when the soil feels dry. Poinsettias will give you several seasons of bloom if given proper attention. Fertilize approximately every 2 weeks.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Oneida County’s Website has more information about growing poinsettias or contact the Horticulture Hot Line at 315-736-3394 Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 am to noon.

SOURCE: Cornell Cooperative Extension