Now that you have enjoyed your poinsettias through the holidays, many
people ask how to bloom them again next year. It can be done,
but you need to know right up front that the plant isn't likely to
have as large and beautiful bracts (the colored leaves) as it did
this year. The techniques and conditions used in commercial production
are beyond the scope of the average homeowner without a greenhouse.
Bringing the bracts into color requires following a rigid schedule
beginning the first of October and continuing until the bracts color,
which may be ten weeks. Missing the schedule just one day or altering
the conditions even slightly may undo all the earlier work. That said,
here is how to rebloom a poinsettia.
After the holidays, maintain the plant indoors until the night
temperatures outdoors reach 60º. There are two options for
maintaining the plants: You can either treat your poinsettia as
a houseplant or store it in a dormant state. If the plant is still
gorgeous (many of the new cultivars will stay that way long into
the new year) you can maintain it at normal home temperatures
as you would a houseplant. Be sure it has your sunniest window.
Give careful attention to watering, keeping it barely moist and
do not allow the soil to become soggy. Feed with a houseplant
fertilizer such as Bachman's Excel Grow at the recommended rate
about every two weeks. In late March or early April prune the
poinsettia back to 6-8 inches tall. Just before you put it out
for the summer, you should repot it (described below).
If you choose to store the plant in a dormant state, reduce the
water until the leaves dry and fall off, then put the plant into
an area where it will receive minimal light (it does need some)
and temperatures between 55-60º. It must not be over
60º or the plant won't stay dormant. In late March or early
April, cut the plant back to 3-5 inches tall and repot into a
slightly larger container. If there is more than one plant in
the pot, give each its own pot slightly smaller than the original
it shared with the others. You have too much effort invested to
compromise the roots, so use a good, porous, professional potting
soil such as Bachman's Exceloam. Water well and, when the new
growth begins, start feeding as mentioned above.
Poinsettias should be grown outdoors for the summer. They need
to do this to take advantage of the higher light levels available
outside. Place them where they will receive at least 6-8 hours
of direct sun daily. Protect them from the hottest of the afternoon
sun if they are sitting on a masonry patio or other reflective
surface. This isn't necessary if they are in a flower bed. Potted
plants can be sunk into the ground to help keep them stable, cool
and moist. If the pots are in contact with the soil, remember
to turn the pots or lift them up each week to prevent the plants
rooting out through the drainage holes. Roots will grow
out of the holes whenever they get the chance and then you will
shock the plants when you break the roots to bring them in. Increase
the fertilizer applications to weekly. In late July pinch the
plants (remove the growing tip and the upper 2-3 leaves on each
stem) to keep them stocky and well branched. In early fall, when
the night temperatures are starting to dip into the 50s, bring
the plants in. Again, give them the sunniest window and continue
to water as needed and fertilize regularly. Now you must make
your plans to carry out the schedule that will cause the bracts
to color again.
Starting Oct. 1 the poinsettias must be kept in the dark from
5 p.m. until 8 a.m. Then they must be put back in bright light
for the day. The night temperatures should be between 65-70º
and the daytime temperatures can be 70-80º. However, they
need a 7-10º difference between the two, so you cannot keep
them a uniform 70º. Continue the normal feeding and watering
practices that have been established. This program needs to continue, without interruption, until the bracts have begun to color,
usually until Thanksgiving, at least.
Deviation from any part
of this schedule can result in delayed flowering or no flowering
at all. The dark treatment is usually accomplished by putting
the plants in a closet that will not be opened accidentally or
under a box that has had the inside painted black (dried well,
no fumes). Leaving them in an unused room is chancy since stray
light from street lamps, passing cars, porch lights or accidentally
opening the door can undo the work.
After the bracts have begun to color, you are still not home free.
The plants still need to have 6-8 hours of full sun or the equivalent
from high intensity lighting until the bracts are completely
colored. When that has happened, you should stop feeding the
plant to prolong bloom and can place it where you would like to
display it for the holidays.
A Quick Overview For Reblooming Poinsettias
January thru May
Provide strong light all day
and keep it barely moist.
Fertilize every two weeks.
Prune to 6-8 inches tall around April 1
June thru early September Repot
Move the plant outdoors.
Provide 6-8 hours direct sun. Keep moist.
Fertilize every week.
Late July Tip prune.
Mid September Take the plant indoors.
Provide strong light all day. Keep moist.
Fertilize every week.
Early October thru Thankgiving Days: strong light - keep moist - keep warm.
Nights: complete uninterrupted darkness - cool.
Continue fertilizing weekly.
Around Thanksgiving As soon as the bracts develop some color, discontinue day/night
treatment.
Provide bright light. Keep moist.
Recommended Products
Quality Bachman's Grown Poinsettias
Exceloam Potting Soil
Excel Gro Fertilizer
Containers and Saucers
Artificial Lights
Gardening Books and Information Sheets
Flowers and gifts from Bachman’s make any day a special one. When you order your flowers or gifts online, you know you’ll be getting a beautiful fresh flower arrangement from a trusted florist known for outstanding flower design, plus quality and service.
If you’re sending flowers or gifts out of town, you can rely on us to choose the best florist from either the FTD or Teleflora nationwide flower network. Florists who can be counted on to deliver the best fresh flower arrangements and gifts, even when doing a same day delivery.
