Get Growing: How to keep your poinsettia all year

By Brad & Susan Emery

As I’m browsing the aisles at Costco, I come across the poinsettia display, which is located right outside the produce cooler. I wondered if I should say something to the customer who is busy picking one out?

I guess because poinsettias are out at Christmas, I always thought that it was cool/cold hardy to some degree, but these plants are from Mexico! They don’t appreciate temperatures below 12°C, nor do they like draughts. And a poinsettia exposed to low temps and draughts will tend to drop its leaves and may struggle to survive. If you purchase your poinsettia at a store, make sure it is well wrapped and covered for the chilly trip home!