Tis the season! Did you know that Connecticut greenhouses grow many of the poinsettias you find in stores around New England. They are still shipping fresh plants. Learn more about the industry: Photos: Leanne Pundt for UConn Extension
poinsettias
Christmas in July at CT Greenhouses
It is Christmas in July for the greenhouse producers who grow poinsettias. In order to have plants that are blooming for December sales, greenhouses start the process early. Poinsettias require months in the greenhouse before they are ready to be purchased and taken home. Leanne Pundt, one of our Extension educators was scouting the plants […]
Poinsettias: From Production to Decoration
Wholesale growers across Connecticut started shipping poinsettias in mid-November. Poinsettia are a long-term crop, started from rooted cuttings in early to mid-July. Plants are pinched to promote branching and growers measure the height of the plants on a weekly basis, and enter data into a computer program, to make sure the plants will be at […]
Holiday Plants, Holiday Safety
By Dawn Pettinelli UConn Home & Garden Education Center As we decorate our homes for the holidays with cheery plants, evergreen boughs and berries, it is important to take into account which plants and materials might be toxic to young children and pets. Many plants can pose serious threats to the curious two year old […]
10 Tips for the December Gardener
This morning’s winter weather reminds us to check in on our gardens and house plants as well. Here are some helpful tips for your winter gardening needs: Tap the evergreen branches gently to remove snow and prevent the branches from breaking. Check fruits, vegetables, corms and tubers that you have in storage. Sort out any […]