Reblooming Poinsettia

Poinsettia... It's definitely a challenge to get your poinsettia to bloom the following Christmas.

You will need to carefully monitor light conditions in the fall. You will need to provide 14 hours of CONTINOUS and COMPLETE darkness followed by 10 hours of bright filtered light for a total of 10 weeks.

Some gardeners will cover the poinsettia with a large cardboard box to provide the necessary darkness or will move the plant into a closet for the night.

But, if you are a gardener that loves a challenge, use the guidelines below and Go for it!

Winter (After Christmas until late April)
Light Bright Indirect Light
Water Allow the surface of the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Water thoroughly, but do not allow the plant to sit in water.
Fertilizer None Needed
Spring (May to Mid-June)
Light Bright Light or Filtered Sunlight
Pruning Cut stems back by one third. Repot using a pot that is one size larger than the current pot.
Water Reduce watering. Water only often enough so that the soil does not become bone dry.
Fertilizer Plant Prod 20-20-20 once a month
Summer (Mid-June to September)
Light Bright Light or Filtered Sunlight
Water Allow the surface of the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Water thoroughly, but do not allow the plant to sit in water.
Fertilizer Plant Prod 20-20-20 every 2 weeks
Fall (September to November)
Light Bright Indirect Light
Darkness 14 CONSECUTIVE hours of TOTAL darkness for 10 weeks. Start the darkness treatment September 15th to have the poinsettia in full color by November 25th.
Water Allow the surface of the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Water thoroughly, but do not allow the plant to sit in water.
Fertilizer Plant Prod 20-20-20 every 2 weeks

© Dutch Growers Garden Centre Saskatoon Ltd 2006

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