We've finnaly just recieved our Poinsettia tree form (Freedom Red and White). The shipment on these plants was to be recieved over three weeks ago but had been delayed for size reasons. It looks like these plants were pinched only last week and have only the smallest buds just emerging now, and I'm concerned about their potential height, and how or will they color up on time for sale. The plants are in a 10" container and are presently 28" tall.
Thanks, Chad

Chad L -

Generally the last pinch for double or triple pinched trees should be done 2-3 weeks before flower initiation. In the case of Freedom growing in Canada the flower initiation date will be closer to September 15th. If the plants were just pinched last week the vegetative growth phase will be compromised. The time from pinch to flower imitation determines final finished height. Prior to flower initiation poinsettias typically develop a new leaf every 4-5 days but after flower initiation the number of leaves that unfold is fixed to approximately 7 leaves. If the plant puts on 7 more leaves with internode length of 1 -1 1/2" that means the plant has the potential to put on another 7-10" of growth. If the plants are at 28” tall now that would put your final finished height at approximately 35-38".