Poinsettia Trials Near You

Poinsettia season is upon us, meaning a slew of university and grower trials will be taking place in the coming weeks. Find one near you to learn what’s new, how past varieties are currently faring and what you can do to overcome your own poinsettia challenges.

If we’re missing your trial, e-mail us at [email protected]. We’ll keep the list growing.

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November 6:

Penn State University
Dan Schantz Farm and Greenhouses
Zionsville, Pa.
(800) 451-3064

More than 120 varieties will be on display with 18 new introductions as part of the 2008 Penn State Poinsettia Growers Trial. The trial opens at 7:30 a.m., and seminars start at 10.

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P. Allen Hammer of Dömmen USA, Paul Thomas of the University of Georgia, Jim Kennedy of Ball Horticultural Company and Kerry Richard of Penn State will lead seminars on topics such as cold finishing poinsettias, adapting to a changed market and selecting and growing newer vegetative annuals.

November 22-23:

Ellison’s Poinsettia Celebration
Ellison’s Greenhouses
Brenham, Texas
(979) 836-6011

The 17th annual Poinsettia Celebration will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. over a two-day period. Ellison hosted more than 1,800 visitors for its two-day event last year highlight by its rainbow poinsettia tree. Be sure to check out other seasonal plants, as well.

November 24:

Cumberland Trail Growers
St. Elmo, Ill.
(618) 829-3000 ext. 26

For its row trials, Cumberland will be exhibiting all varieties in a “blackout” environment for the induction of uniform color along with a separate “cool growing” house for those interested in potential energy savings. Between the 80 varieties in the trials and the 27 varieties used in its regular production, there will be nearly two acres of poinsettias and more than 30,000 total plants for viewing. For its own production Cumberland currently uses a variety of cultivars from Dummen, Ecke, and Fischer to produce high quality crops for florists, churches, independent garden centers and fundraisers. For the trials, it will also will be exhibiting cultivars from Selecta & Oglevee.

November 24-26, 28; December 1-5:

Paul Ecke Ranch
Encinitas, Calif.
(760) 944-4087

Minus Thanksgiving Day, Ecke Ranch will host its poinsettia trial open house over a two-week period from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. The Newest Stars display, which includes ‘Ice Punch,’ ‘Winter Blush’ and Polar Bear,’ will be on display.

December 4:

North Carolina State University Grower, Supplier and Industry Open House
JC Raulston Arboretum
Raleigh, N.C.
(919) 515-3132

Homewood Nursery Poinsettia Open House
Raleigh, N.C.
(919) 847-0117

December 5:

Louisiana State University Open House
Burden Center
Baton Rouge, La.
(225) 578-2158

December 6: 

Purdue University Grower and Consumer Poinsettia Open House
Purdue University and Heartland Growers
West Lafayette, Ind.

December 7:

University of Illinois
Champaign-Urbana, Ill.
(217) 244-9380.

North Carolina State University Consumer Open House
Raulston Arboretum,
Raleigh, N.C.

December 9:

University of Florida Poinsettia Grower Field Day
Gainesville, Fla.

December 11:

University of Florida Master Gardener & Public Open House
Gainesville, Fla.

December 11-12:

N.G. Heimos Greenhouses and Millstadt Young Plants
Millstadt, Ill.
(618) 476-7200, ext. 105

The open house will showcase more than 100 varieties, featuring poinsettias from Syngenta Flowers, Ecke Ranch, Dömmen USA and Selecta First Class. Appointments are available. Contact Susie Hines by e-mail at [email protected] for more information.

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