Mrs. Cloud Bailey.
I have Poinsettias that were blown somewhat apart from the Hurricanes. I would like to cut them back, but I don't know if it would kill them, they have red leaves and I see new growth on them. When would be the best time to cut them back and how far should I cut them? You can tell I am from up north (Maryland) and we could never plant Poinsettias outside so I don't know what to do.

Thank you so much,
Doreen
Maryland

Hello Doreen,
It seems to me that the Holidays were just yesterday, In fact I was visiting with a friend who had her poinsettias sitting in pots on the back porch -- and this is June! Doreen, whether you have already planted them or are still trying to decide what to do with them, poinsettias are good landscape plants for the Treasure Coast. However, for you in Maryland, the plants will need to be kept in containers so that they can be protected from temperatures below freezing.

Poinsettias are perennial and will grow and flower year after year if planted in the right place with moderate care. The easiest way to grow poinsettias after the holidays is to plant them in the landscape, if you are in a warm location, where they receive no light at night. In more temperate climates, choose a large moveable container.

Poinsettias are photoperiodic. They are short-day plants, which means the plants grow leaves and stems under long days -- the summer, and flower under short days -- fall and winter. They need 12 to 12.5 hours of darkness to set flowers. Here in the northern hemisphere, this night length is reached around September 21. The short days must continue until the flower buds and bract color development begin to show, at least five week. For those trying to regrow their poinsettias, or produce flowers outside, this simply means that the plants must have total darkness at night from September on. It takes very little to disturb the flowering, even a security light can delay or prevent flowering.

When choosing a location for your poinsettia, remember that they are large plants, 10 to 15 feet when mature. Growers apply growth regulators to keep then short for the holiday potted plant you bought. After the holidays keep your poinsettia in a bright sunny location until the danger of frost or freeze passes, then plant it outside in a bright location, at least 6 hours of sun per day. Keep the plants well watered, but not wet.

If you are going to keep your poinsettia as a container plant, repot them when the plants start to grow, chose a larger pot and use fresh, sterile potting soil. When you plant, either in a container or outside, carefully check to see if there is more than one plant per pot, it common for growers to use a number of cuttings to achieve a full looking plant. If you find more than one, separate into individual plants. At that time of planting, the addition of a slow-release fertilizer is a good practice. If the red bracts (the flowers) are still holding on, pinch off the end of the branch. Irrigate to establish, but don’t overdo when the plant is established, poinsettias do not like wet feet.

As the plants grow, pinch the new shoots to produce multiple branches. Pinch the new growths when the get to be 6 inches long. This practice keeps the plants somewhat short and helps produce more flowers. Stop pinching about August 1st -- 15th to allow the new growth to mature and prepare for flowering. Remember, the plants will need darkness for more that 12 hours starting about Labor Day. If the plant is in a container and you cannot assure darkness at night, put the plant in a closet or garage in the afternoon and remove in the morning. If the plant is outside, make sure that no security lights are interrupting the night.

Poinsettias are a bit cold sensitive, watch for early cold snaps. If it looks like the temperatures are going to fall so that there is a frost or freeze, prepare to protect the plant with a covering that is supported so that the plastic or other covering does not touch the leaves or if in a container, move to a protected location.

Thank you for your question and Happy Gardening,

Carol