Premium Picasso Punch is one of up to 25 varieties currently in international trials at the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre in Ontario. (CNW Group)
"It's very much a preview of what consumers will see next year. Growers come out now to view the poinsettia trials in order to determine which ones they'll offer for sale next year," said Dr. Jim Brandle, C.E.O., Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, in a news release.
Four breeders are represented in the poinsettia trials at Vineland. All support poinsettia trials at various university locations, but focus mainly on three trial sites in the United States and two in Canada.
The trial at Vineland is taking place under the direction of Wayne Brown, greenhouse floriculture specialist for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
"The trials are carried out on behalf of four poinsettia breeders to understand the performance of the myriad of varieties under very different climate conditions. California is very different from Ontario in November for example," said Brown.
The following are some tips offered by Brown to keep poinsettias looking healthy all season.
1. Poinsettias should be placed away from cold drafts, hot air registers or radiators. Do not place poinsettias directly in front of the fireplace. However, the side of the hearth, away from the direct heat, is fine. Hot air dries out the leaves and bracts and makes the plant burn energy faster than normal, resulting in premature aging.
2. Water poinsettias sparingly. They belong to the Euphorbia family, known for storing water in their leaves, stems and/or roots. Therefore water moderately only once or twice a week.
3. Plants will survive the longest if placed in a cool, bright location.
4. Don't forget, it is always possible to purchase another poinsettia next Christmas season. This keeps the local greenhouse industry vibrant.
Fun Facts:
- The Aztecs grew this woody shrub in their villages because of the showy bract—the leaf-like plant part—that develop around the true flowers.
- Poinsettias are named after Joel Poinsett, the first U.S. Ambassador who brought the plants back to the Philadelphia Conservatory because he was so impressed by them.
- Poinsettias are also known by names like Christmas Star and Mexican Flameleaf.
- There over 110 varieties of poinsettia varieties to choose from.
Vineland Research and Innovation Centre is an independent, not-for-profit corporation established to create a world-class centre for horticultural science and innovation. Visit www.vinelandontario.ca for more information.
