How Do I Plant Poinsettias?
Poinsettias are a popular decoration around the Christmas holiday, but once the blooms fade the plants usually wind up in the trash. Many gardeners don't realize that these striking flowers can be added to the outdoor landscape instead. Poinsettias are tropical plants that are hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 through 11, where they can be planted directly into the soil. In cooler regions, plant the poinsettia, including the pot, into the ground and bring it back indoors before the arrival of cold weather. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Planting Poinsettias Directly into the Garden
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1
Remove all grass, weeds and large rocks from the planting location.
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2
Dig a hole that is the same depth and a few inches larger than the container in which the poinsettia is growing.
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3
Place the root ball into the hole and backfill with the loosened soil. Tamp down firmly to remove air pockets and water until the soil feels very moist.
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4
Add a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the poinsettia to discourage weed growth and retain moisture. Water any time the top of the soil feels dry.
Planting Potted Poinsettias
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Dig a hole that is large enough to easily accommodate the pot the poinsettia is growing in. The pot should have several drainage holes in the bottom to prevent over-watering.
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Line the bottom of the hole with small gravel.
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Place the pot into the hole and backfill with the loosened soil, all the way up to the rim. Check the soil in the pot regularly and add water when it no longer sticks to your finger.
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Tips & Warnings
Plant poinsettias in a location that is not exposed to high winds.
Avoid over-watering poinsettias, because excess moisture can result in dropped leaves.
Rotate potted poinsettias one-half turn every two or three weeks to encourage balanced growth of the foliage.
References
- Photo Credit Poinsettia Leaves image by Mary Beth Granger from Fotolia.com
