When should I bring in my poinsettia outside?

The time to plant poinsettias outside is late March, after the danger of frost has passed. Until then, keep the plants in a sunny window and water when the soil begins to feel dry. Just prior to planting, cut the poinsettia back about half way (even if the colorful bracts are still on the plant).

What happens if you plant a poinsettia outside?

Poinsettia plants outdoors tend to grow tall and leggy. Prevent this by regular trimming. Pinching back the tips of new growth creates a bushier plant, but the bracts themselves are smaller.

Can potted poinsettias live outside?

You can keep poinsettias outside in containers or plant in beds as many resorts do this time of year, but make sure they are protected against extreme cold, Harper said. After the holidays, poinsettias can be kept in a protected area outside; the ideal place is a covered patio.

Are poinsettias good for outdoor?

Poinsettias aren’t popular only at Christmas time. With the right care, these traditional holiday plants can shed their shiny foil and bows to become long-lasting houseplants. You can also grow them outdoors in your garden if you live in a frost-free area.

How to care for an outdoor poinsettia plant?

Caring for Outdoor Poinsettia Plants Caring for outdoor poinsettia plants is not very time consuming or intricate. Once you see green shoots in spring, start a regular watering and feeding program. If you opt to use water soluble fertilizer, add it to the watering can every other week.

Where do poinsettias grow in the United States?

Their bright colors chase winter’s gloom from the dark corners of the home and their ease of care make these plants perfect for interior gardening. Poinsettias are native to Mexico, which means the United States Department of Agriculture poinsettia growing zones are only 9 to 11. But what is the actual cold hardiness of poinsettias?

When is the best time to fertilize a poinsettia plant?

However, don’t let it dry out completely. Also, relocate the poinsettia plant to a cool, dark area until spring or around April. Fertilizing poinsettia plants is never recommended while they’re still in bloom. Fertilize poinsettias only if keeping them after the holiday season.

What happens to poinsettias in the cold weather?

However, eventually, the colorful bracts will fall and you will be left with a little, green bush. You can move the plant outdoors but poinsettia frost damage is a real threat if your area’s temperatures dip below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 C.). At this range, the cold hardiness of poinsettias is below its tolerant point and leaves will drop.

When is the best time to repot a poinsettia?

To coax your plant back into bloom, let it dry out gradually starting in April. Water just enough to keep the stem from shriveling, and put the plant in a spot that stays about 60 degrees. In mid-May, prune the stems to 4 inches high and repot the poinsettia in a slightly larger pot.

What to do with a poinsettia in the car?

DON’T Forget to Protect the Plant in the Car. Some stores sell poinsettias in cellophane cones that will protect the plant from wind damage, but if it’s bitterly cold outside, the bracts and leaves could still suffer. Ask for a larger bag to put over the top of your plant to protect it on the trip to the car and into your home.

What kind of colors do poinsettias come in?

You can find poinsettias around the holidays to fit into almost any decorative scheme. They range from creamy white to pink to the traditional bright red. Some varieties have bracts with patterns in red and white, pink and white, or green and white and even bright orange.