I hate to bring up a winter plant, but, I think this is the time when I ask........"Where and how can I get seeds, cuttings, or whatever it takes to grow a Poinsettia for Christmas?"
Every year there are a handful of red Poinsettia's around here that are small, and although they look like a Poinsettia, they look "dwarf". They stand about 8" tall and aren't full at all. I want to grow nice big, tall, and full plants but haven't got a clue as to how to go about it. Where's Todd Boland when you need him? :)
Poinsettia
echoes
Aug 16, 2005
He'll be back, but pointsettias is probably not one of his plant interests. I sometimes put my pointsettias outside for the summer and bring them back in when it gets cold, but they have such specific light requirements to get them to change color. It's much easier to buy a new one every year. Actually my silk one always looks lovely.
Spring would probably be the best time to take a cutting. You could still try it, if you have a source now.
I'm not a big poinsettia fan but I know that many of the ones sold at nurseries are treated with a dwarfing agent to keep them small and/or compact. In the wild, they form quite large shrubs or small trees. Cuttings may be taken now and if put in the light/dark cycle by late September, should bloom by Christmas. Our local nurseries will get rooted 'plugs' in the next couple of weeks to start the cycle.
LOL, I agree with echoes, Darrell. You can get some lovely silk poinsettias that are a nice size. A lot less hassel. I have never had luck trying to grow the darn things. Good luck in your search though. :)
Well, I thought it would be nice to grow some in the house. But, it looks like there is a bit more to it than I thought.
As most everyone knows, I need to learn how to grow a "bulb" first. :)
LOL for me too when I read echoes comments. Actually, I usually get a poinsettia each year and I find that they work really well in the compost pile once they get leggy. It's not one of the things I have much patience for.
Ann