Don't Throw Away Those Beautiful Poinsettias
January 5, 2012
It always seems a shame to throw away those beautiful poinsettia plants after the holidays. They are really capable of surviving as an outdoor plant in our Southern California climate. However, since they were probably cultivated in a greenhouse environment, they need a little special attention if they are to succeed as a garden plant.
If you want to try to nurture your holiday poinsettias so that they will survive and bloom next year, here are some tips.
1. Put your potted plant outdoors in the pot when temperatures are 55 degrees Fahrenheit or above. The plant needs to get accustomed to the outdoors.
2. Pick a spot near a southern wall.
3. Dig a hole slightly larger than the pot and put a layer of rich soil that will drain well. Fill the hole up to one half inch of the main stalk of the plant.
4. Water well and often to be sure that the plant roots do not get dry.
5. Do not fertilize until at least March. Then use an all purpose garden fertilizer.
6. Cut the plant to about eight inches so that it will bush out.
7. Once October arrives, you will need to make sure it has dark nights with no artificial lighting.
The first four steps are the beginning. If you truly want to accept the challenge of having it bloom for the 2012 holidays, I suggest you google "Planting Poinsettias" for detailed instructions.
Seeing these bright red bushes in gardens is a beautiful sight!
It always seems a shame to throw away those beautiful poinsettia plants after the holidays. They are really capable of surviving as an outdoor plant in our Southern California climate. However, since they were probably cultivated in a greenhouse environment, they need a little special attention if they are to succeed as a garden plant.
If you want to try to nurture your holiday poinsettias so that they will survive and bloom next year, here are some tips.
1. Put your potted plant outdoors in the pot when temperatures are 55 degrees Fahrenheit or above. The plant needs to get accustomed to the outdoors.
2. Pick a spot near a southern wall.
3. Dig a hole slightly larger than the pot and put a layer of rich soil that will drain well. Fill the hole up to one half inch of the main stalk of the plant.
4. Water well and often to be sure that the plant roots do not get dry.
5. Do not fertilize until at least March. Then use an all purpose garden fertilizer.
6. Cut the plant to about eight inches so that it will bush out.
7. Once October arrives, you will need to make sure it has dark nights with no artificial lighting.
The first four steps are the beginning. If you truly want to accept the challenge of having it bloom for the 2012 holidays, I suggest you google "Planting Poinsettias" for detailed instructions.
Seeing these bright red bushes in gardens is a beautiful sight!
posted by shirley harry at 8:54 AM
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