Flowers that are related to Christmas time and Christmas gift giving are notoriously difficult to bloom when you want them to. Take the poinsettia, for example.
Poinsettias have become synonymous with Christmas, and it’s not the green leaves we admire. Unfortunately, even seasoned gardeners admit that these plants can be exceptionally hard to rebloom at the right time the following year. While it’s probably easier to just buy another one, you can try getting the poinsettias you have to bloom on time for your Christmas get togethers by following these tips:
1. At this time of year, make sure to expose your poinsettias to bright light at a temperature of about 21C during the day. From 4:30-5:00pm to about 8 in the morning, keep the plant in total darkness at a temperature of about 19C. This will adequately help the bracts (leaves) to start 
developing that lush and lovely red colour.
2. Once you see that the bracts are starting to develop their colour, expose them to bright light 8 hours a day, maintaining the same temperature as before. They no longer have to be in total darkness at night, so leave them in a bright spot well isolated from drafts.
3. Don’t overwater or expose the plant to dramatic temperature changes and drafts. This can cause serious harm. Poinsettias only need enough water to moisten the soil, not soak it.
It might be too late to get your poinsettias to bloom in time for holiday festivities, but it won’t hurt to try!
And while we’re talking about poinsettias, pictured is our Festive Poinsettia Christmas Gift Basket, a bountiful box of goodies that appeals to the sweet and savory tooth. Like the decorative box?
