How to Grow Poinsettia Plant Rebloom Outdoors

Introduction

Poinsettias are popular plants during the holiday season, known for their vibrant red and green foliage. While they are often purchased as indoor plants, it is possible to grow poinsettias outdoors and encourage them to rebloom year after year. In this article, we will discuss the steps you can take to successfully grow poinsettias outdoors and enjoy their beauty for many seasons to come.

Choosing the Right Location

When selecting a location for your outdoor poinsettias, it is important to keep in mind that they require a specific amount of sunlight. Ideally, poinsettias should be placed in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Additionally, they should be protected from strong winds and extreme temperatures.

Preparing the Soil

Poinsettias prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Before planting, it is a good idea to amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve its fertility. This will help provide the necessary nutrients for the plant’s growth and flowering.

Planting Poinsettias Outdoors

Once you have chosen the right location and prepared the soil, it’s time to plant your poinsettias outdoors. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball of the poinsettia plant.
2. Gently remove the plant from its container, being careful not to damage the roots.
3. Place the plant in the hole, making sure that it is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil.
4. Backfill the hole with soil, firming it gently around the base of the plant.
5. Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil and eliminate any air pockets.

Watering and Fertilizing

Proper watering and fertilizing are essential for the healthy growth of poinsettias. Here are some guidelines to follow:

• Watering: Poinsettias prefer moist, but not waterlogged, soil. It is important to monitor the moisture levels and water the plants whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Additionally, make sure to provide adequate drainage to prevent water from pooling around the roots.
• Fertilizing: Poinsettias benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer according to the instructions on the package, usually every four to six weeks. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can damage the plant.

Pruning and Pinching

Pruning and pinching are important techniques for shaping and encouraging bushier growth in poinsettias. Here’s what you need to know:

• Pruning: After the poinsettia has finished blooming, usually in late winter or early spring, prune back the stems by about one-third to encourage branching. Make sure to use clean and sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.
• Pinching: Throughout the growing season, pinch back the tips of new growth regularly. This will help promote bushier growth and prevent legginess. Pinch off about an inch of new growth, making sure to leave at least two sets of leaves on each stem.

Protecting Poinsettias from Frost

Poinsettias are sensitive to cold temperatures and frost can damage or kill them. If you live in an area with frosty winters, it is important to take precautions to protect your outdoor poinsettias. Here are some tips:

1. Cover the plants: Before a frost event, cover your poinsettias with a frost cloth or blanket. This will help insulate them and protect them from the cold.
2. Bring them indoors: If possible, bring your poinsettias indoors during frosty nights. Place them in a cool room with bright indirect light until the danger of frost has passed.
3. Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to help insulate the roots and retain soil moisture.

Encouraging Reblooming

To get your poinsettias to rebloom outdoors, you need to provide them with the right conditions. Here are some tips to encourage reblooming:

1. Light exposure: Starting in early fall, poinsettias require long periods of uninterrupted darkness to initiate blooming. Cover the plants with a lightproof cloth or place them in a dark room for about 12-14 hours each night for 10 weeks. During the day, they need bright sunlight for at least six hours.
2. Temperature: Poinsettias prefer moderate temperatures during their flowering period. Maintain temperatures between 60-70°F during the day and around 55°F at night.
3. Pruning: After the blooming period, prune the plants back to about 6-8 inches in height to encourage new growth and prepare them for next year’s bloom.

Conclusion

Growing poinsettias outdoors and getting them to rebloom can be a rewarding experience. By selecting the right location, preparing the soil, providing proper care, and following specific steps to encourage reblooming, you can enjoy these beautiful plants year after year. Remember to be patient and consistent in your care, and soon you’ll have a stunning display of poinsettias brightening up your outdoor space during the holiday season.