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Floral & Garden Blog » Garden Center » 6 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Benken Poinsettias

We grew up in the garden center, so we live and breathe everything related to plants and flowers. We’ve also done our fair share of growing right here in our own greenhouses.

And while it may not come as a surprise that we grow our own poinsettias, this might be news to you:

1. We grow more than 4,000 poinsettias right here in our own greenhouses. Four thouuuuu-saaaannnd. Sometimes we can’t believe it ourselves. And we’ve been doing it since 1945.

2. We propagate our own exclusive varieties. Every year we hold Poinsettia Trials, where we invite the general public to join us for the unveiling of old and new varieties and to give us their feedback.

Our assortment changes each year, but get a load of what we grew for 2019:

Princettia Pink, Princettia Hot Pink, Princettia Light Pink, Christmas Mouse, Christmas Eve Red, Christmas Cheer, Christmas Joy-Pink, Showy White, Holly Berry, Christmas Aurora, Christmas Magic Red, Christmas Beauty Queen, Christmas Beauty Princess, Noel Red, Christmas Wish Red, Christmas Beauty-Red, Christmas Feelings-Red, Christmas Spirit and Christmas Beauty Marble.

There’s even a variety with round leaves and petals/bracts!

3. All of our plants are started from unrooted cuttings and are planted in July. It truly is Christmas in July around here.

4. You’ve probably never seen this many poinsettia sizes. That’s because we grow 2-inch minis all the way up to 5-foot extra large showstoppers. Honestly, most people are shocked by the size of these poinsettias and they definitely make an impression in an entryway, as a focal point in a room or as a gift.

5. There are just a few things to remember when buying and caring for your poinsettia. Ironically enough, our consummate Christmas and holiday plant is native to Mexico and Central America, which means they are not accustomed to the cold.

That’s why we’ll always cover yours in protective wrap before you leave the garden center. Probably a good idea to make Benken your last stop before heading home so your poinsettia doesn’t get too chilly in the car. Cold drafts will make the petals (or bracts) drop prematurely. This can happen at home, too, so make sure to display yours away from cold drafts.

And just like any houseplant, your poinsettia won’t do well right next to a heating vent.

Other than that, bright (but not direct) light and moist soil.

We like to water ours by removing our plant from its wrap and/or container and setting it in a shallow pan filled with water. Your poinsettia will take up as much water as it needs, without being waterlogged. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes and then let it drain a bit before you return to its container.  We can always tell when ours needs more water by picking it up. It will be heavier when happily watered, and lighter when it needs a drink. You’ll get a feel.

6. You can bring your out-of-its-prime poinsettia back to Benken in January for 20% off any greenhouse plant. After you’ve taken down everything Christmas and your space is looking a little bare, choose from a greenhouse full of beautiful houseplants to add a little life and texture to any room. Succulents, Fiddle Leafs, Sansevierias, Monsteras, Pileas and so many more.

We’re a little bias, but being in Benken when the poinsettias are in season is pretty spectacular. We hope to see you during the season this year and Happy Holidays to you and yours from all of us here at Benken.