Poinsettias
Don't forget to look out for the Bord Bia Quality Mark when buying Poinsettias this Christmas!
Over many years the poinsettia has become a classic, the perfect choice for decorating your home or as a thoughtful gift. It is now hard to imagine the Christmas season without poinsettias.
Growing Poinsettias
The poinsettia is a very difficult plant to grow successfully and is extremely specialised, requiring a skilful grower, scientific knowledge, special conditions and constant monitoring.
The growing season begins for Irish producers in between the end of June and mid-July, when the plugs (young plants) are potted up in commercial glasshouses, which are state of the art in terms of heat, light and humidity control. The plants are monitored continuously - and fed, watered and pinched out to ensure good even growth, colour and health - a process which is highly labour intensive.
More about poinsettias
Irish growers, collaborating with global plant breeders, have introduced improved poinsettia varieties featuring larger, more vibrant flowers. Red remains the most popular color among the 95% of poinsettias produced in Ireland, although pink and cream options exist.
Careful handling and specially designed packaging protect the plants during delivery to shops across the country. The farm gate value for these popular Christmas plants is approximately €2.1 million due to rising demand.
Deliveries continue leading up to Christmas, after which a brief break is taken before spring bedding production ramps up. Locally sourced poinsettias are preferred as they handle travel poorly compared to those from farther distances.
Tips for a thriving poinsettia
- Control temperature: Place in an area of constant room temperature of 16 - 22°C. Keep the plant away from radiators, cold windows & draughts.
- Hydrate: Like most house plants, too much water is just as bad as too little. A poinsettia will need enough water to keep the potting soil damp but not sodden.
- Light: Place the plant so it is exposed to indirect sunlight during the day.
- Don’t Move: Avoid moving the plant from different rooms and temperatures too often.
- Choose Local: The shorter travel time from plant nursery to your home will benefit this fragile plant, so look for the Bord Bia Quality Mark to guarantee its provenance.
- Aftercare: The plant can be kept after Christmas and its Bract (red leaves) will return the following year with regular care.
