Sunday, December 29, 2019

POINSETTIAS

My office building puts out poinsettias at the holidays every year.  They leave them sitting around and put them, in pots, into the soil of the built in planters.


Just after New Year's they toss them out.  They always say we can have them if we want them.  I've often wanted to take a few and do something with them at the farm.  I remember seeing a huge poinsettia "bush" in our old neighborhood.  I asked the homeowner about it and she said the just planted a small plant once after the holidays and it just kept growing into a full almost hedge.  Every October she covered it for 12 hours a day so that they would turn the brilliant red they are known for.  It was incredible to see next to her porch.  

Anyone ever have any luck in planting them?  Maybe this will be the year that I take them up on the offer. 


8 comments:

  1. They will do well out at your farm if you plant them on the partially sunny side of your house. Just remember to water them.

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  2. whatever you do, don't leave this plant around hobart - it is poison to cats! HAPPY 2020 TO YOU AND 2ND MAN AND HOBART!

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  3. I have never tried but have been tempted.
    I say go for it. It's worth a shot.

    Here is a bit of information on the how-to's
    https://www.chron.com/life/gardening/article/Can-I-plant-my-poinsettias-outside-1739333.php

    https://texashomeandgarden.com/idea-center/garden/repurpose-those-poinsettias/

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/poinsettia/outdoor-poinsettia-plants.htm

    From the ASPCA; https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/poinsettia

    From PetCare RX; https://www.petcarerx.com/article/are-poinsettias-poisonous-to-cats/1477

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  4. My mom planted a couple in her yard and they grew just fine. She was even more north, in Newton, TX.

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  5. I've never tried this. Since you'll get these poinsettias for free, you'll be able to experiment with different places to see where they grow best.

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  6. You have the space and the plants are available. Worst case scenario? It doesn't work and you are out a little planting time. Best case? You have something beautiful to enjoy!

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  7. I've never had the heart to throw them away so I just transplanted them into a bigger pot. They sat in my bay window and grew like mad, stems turned woody, almost small tree like. Unfortunately I live in PA and couldn't transplant them outside. It broke my heart when I had to get rid of them but we adopted some dogs from S. Korea and they liked to sit on the bay window too and I couldn't risk them munching on them. They were beautiful and really easy to maintain, just some water & a bit of sunshine, occasionally transplanting into bigger pots. I second Anne Marie in Philly, watch out for Hobart.

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  8. Happy New Year to you! Wishing you the best in 2020!

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