Poinsettias

Poinsettias certainly are difficult to beat for the strong splash of colour they provide, and now there’s such a wide range of colours – not just the traditional red. St Bridget Nurseries grow all their Poinsettias in their greenhouses on the nursery in Exeter so they have been given the best treatment possible. It’s definitely better to buy from a garden centre rather than an outdoor stall as cold weather and wind are a killer and since St Bridget's Poinsettias only travel two miles at most to their Clyst St Mary Garden Centre - they are really fresh. Plus to give your plant the best start to their home life with you, they’re wrapped up before you leave the garden centre.

When you get them home give them a position in plenty of good light and an average temperature of 55-60F – but keep them away from radiators and other sources of heat – and out of draughts and fluctuating temperatures.

Allow the top of the compost to dry slightly before watering, but then give them a thorough watering ensuring all the compost is moist and feed with a houseplant fertiliser each time. Daily misting of the leaves will help ensure good colour and healthy growth.

Keep your Poinsettia until June 2007 and you can enter St Bridget's competition. Return your Poinsettia to St Bridget Nurseries in Old Rydon Lane Exeter for 12 noon on Saturday 2nd June 2007 and it will be judged for its shape, colour and overall condition. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd & 3rd with prizes of £25, £10 & £5 of St. Bridget Nurseries’ Gift Tokens for the best plants.

Good luck and remember to pick up your St Bridget Nurseries guide to growing Poinsettias before you leave their garden centre.