At Jackson’s Greenhouse, poinsettia season begins months before the holidays. In late July or early August, the team receives over 5,000 poinsettia plugs, tiny seedlings requiring careful nurturing to reach their vibrant, festive glory.
Greenhouse assistant Jill Dunning emphasizes the labor-intensive process. “From adjusting fertilizer formulas to tailoring watering schedules to sunny days, every plant gets personal attention,” she explains. This precision ensures a healthy and uniform bloom across the greenhouse’s stunning array of red, pink, and white poinsettias.
The Science of Poinsettia Growth
Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are native to Mexico and require specific environmental conditions to thrive. In greenhouses like Jackson’s, temperature and light are tightly controlled to induce the characteristic colorful bracts.
- Temperature: Optimal growth occurs at 60–70°F (15–21°C). Fluctuations can lead to uneven coloration or premature leaf drop.
- Photoperiod: Poinsettias are short-day plants, requiring extended periods of darkness to initiate bract coloring. At Jackson’s, this process begins in late September, with the iconic red varieties showing first.
- Fertilization: A balanced nutrient regime tailored to plant development stages ensures strong roots and vibrant foliage.
Attention to Detail: A Hallmark of Quality
One of the defining aspects of Jackson’s Greenhouse is the personal care devoted to each plant. Whether fine-tuning water schedules or adjusting greenhouse temperatures, the team ensures the plants meet the highest standards.
Customer expectations often drive this commitment. Dunning recalls a customer who returned multiple poinsettias until finding one that perfectly matched their dining room table dimensions. Such stories reflect the greenhouse’s dedication to customer satisfaction.
Poinsettias: A Growing Industry
Globally, poinsettias are one of the most popular potted plants, with annual sales exceeding 70 million units in the U.S. alone. Greenhouses like Jackson’s play a vital role in meeting this demand while maintaining quality and variety. Prices at Jackson’s range from $8 for smaller plants to $37 for larger, show-stopping specimens, catering to diverse customer needs.
The meticulous care behind Jackson’s Greenhouse poinsettias highlights the fusion of horticultural expertise and passion for tradition. Each plant represents months of dedication, transforming the greenhouse into a holiday wonderland. For farmers and agricultural enthusiasts, it’s a testament to the rewards of combining innovation with time-honored practices.
