I need some advice on which poinsettias are the best to grow in hot west texas. Magic Farm Greenhouses, San Angelo, Tx. Thx

Lana, it would help to have a little more information. Which varieties do you have experience with, what type of market are you producing for, what are the container sizes and plant heights you want and what are the finish dates you want. Are you looking for the easiest to grow or varieties that make the best finished plant. Are you looking for reds or novelty colors? Jim

We have grown Prestige, Early Prestige, Early Winter Rose Red, Classic Series, Snowcap, Shimmer Surprise, Enduring Series, and Ice Punch with little problems. Manage your water and greenhouse temps and you will be fine.

Have you tried Freedom red? Here in Ohio we are having higher day temps this summer (90+ outside) than usual. We grow 2/3 prestige and 1/3 freedom red. Can see a big difference in the two. The free red is showing some signs of heat stress , while the prestige leaves are curling due to heat. Probably doesn't matter in Texas but free red can be finished at lower temps . Any thoughts on Free red Ecke Tech?

LGH, I have been growing Prestige since 1999 when they were sent out as trial Poinsettias and in my extreme heat and humidity here in S.E. Texas have to use shade cloth further into Summer-Fall to keep Prestige from curling during the afternoon high temperatures. We will be running 99F-100F here outside for the next 6-7 days and I run 50% shade sometimes into late September to get the crop growing without heat stress. You are much further North and probably will need the higher light levels later on but at this point you have to run a fine line between the excess heat and using shade to maintain decent temperatures. Our nighttime temperatures many times stay at or above 80F at night into September so heat delay during and after flower initiation can be a problem with the excess heat though initiation is still many weeks away...

Michael, I will admit that a little extra shade would make our start much easier . We spray liquid shade equal to 20-30%. Having the extra heat up here put us over the top for sure .
I would agree that Prestige can and is being grown in extreme conditions under 50% shade with excellent results . It also wins the beauty contest .

How ever, if I had to make a choice between the two for best to grow in extreme conditions .Free red would be my vote. Especially if a grower isn't able or willing to provide the extras needed to give them a smooth start.