Hello everyone,
My name is Roman Fox. I am an Agriculture Teacher in Illinois. I'm looking to plant my first crop of Poinsettias this fall. I am wondering what variety I need to plant for a late sale date (December 10-17).

Thanks in Advance
Roman Fox

Hi Roman -

Our natural late varieties include:

Orange Spice
Nutcracker
Chianti
Monet Twilight
Red Velvet
Winter Rose
Jingle Bells 3
Red Splendor
Success Red

An easy choice would be to go with Nutcracker because the family includes red, white, and pink. Culture would be the same for all three colors and you could offer an variety of colors. Nutcracker is an easy series to grow. We would also suggest Red Velvet because it is easy to grow and a beutiful traditional red.

For detailed cultural information on each of these varieties go to Crop Information. Please let us know if you have further questions. Thanks!

Our first year (two years ago)we used all Freedom Varieties, Autumn Reds and Early Winter Rose. We took delivery of the rooted cutings from Parks the last week in August and they were ready by the last week of November. We struggled with the heat of Septmeber here in Vale Oregon and still ended up with a good crop. Our biggest challenge was root rot in November. We later found that our fungicide Cleary's did not control that strain of fungus.

Our second year came off without any serious problems. We have really had fun with this crop.

I am in my first year of poinsettia production- a lot of learning to do! I am wondering how Roman Fox's crop is doing as a first timer at this also.....

romano.fox@gmail.com

Hi there,
Just getting back on. The crop isn't too bad, but I wish it were better. My crop is not real uniform. I have the spacing the same, and the conditions are also the same? The only problem I have is I have 14-17 yr olds working the crop. We're still trying to get them watered properly. When I get my digital camera back I will post some photos.
I have one major problem developing though. The margins of the leaves are yellowing, and curling up? What is my problem? Is it a nutrient problem, or bacteria? Any help is welcomed.

Thanks,
Roman Fox

Hi Roman - pictures would really help here....

Is the new or old foliage yellowing and curling?

Have you checked the pH of the soil?

What are you fertilizing with?

Are the roots healthy?

Thanks for getting back to us..........

Well after reading through some of the post I discovered my pH was too high. I just added an application of Aluminum Sulphate to lower my pH. So far I've only been using Osmocote slow release 15-5-25. The roots are healthy. The yellowing is occuring on older leaves so I'm going on the assumption it is immobile. Should I go to something different? Any help is greatly appreiciated. Also is there any good leterature on growing poinsettias. Not really going to help this year, but in the future. So far I'm kinda just blindly feeling my way through this thing.

Roman and Students!

I too am a high school instructor - I teach agriculture science - I remember when we first started growing poinsettias we had all kinds of problems. Through a great deal of experience - I can tell you that it gets better ever year - I understand some of your frustration working with students and wanting to see results that you and they can be proud of. The best thing is that I found this forum and our crop has been getting better ever since - each year we, or more specifically I learn something that makes the crop better next year - the big thing is don't get discouraged! Next year will be better! If you need any assistance with planning for next year I will be happy to help! Wade
Ag Teacher

This website and forum are going to be your best bet for the latest info on raising poinsettias. Read everything that Ecke has here for you, then search through old posts for more info. And, of course, ask questions! Poinsettia information is like electronics -- outdated the minute it leaves the store!

A poinsettia crop is a learning experience. Each year they tend to get better and better. Last year's crop was awesome. For some reason this year's crop is not as uniform and way too early. My best advice is to ask questions and take good notes on your crop.