How can I make my poinsettias bloom?

These are annuals that are still potted?

How can I make my poinsettias bloom?
Most potted Poinsettias end up in the garbage after their bloom period is done. You would need to have time and patience to do what’s necessary to make your Poinsettia rebloom. See Below:



After the leaves have fallen (usually by late March or early April), cut the Poinsettia back to about 8" in height. Continue a regular watering program, and fertilize your plant. By the end of May, you should see vigorous new growth. Transplant the Poinsettia into a larger pot (no more than four inches larger than the original pot).



Continue regular watering during the growth period, and fertilize every two to three weeks. Once all chance of frost has passed and night temperatures average 55° F or above, you can put the Poinsettia outside (being sure to bring it back in if there’s any chance the temperature will fall below 50° F)! If pruning is necessary to keep the plant bushy and compact, be sure pruning is done by September 1.



Then comes the hard part; complete light control. From October 1, the Poinsettia will need to be kept in complete darkness for 14 continuous hours each night. You’ll have to cover the plant with a black polythene bag or a large box, as any stray light, such as that of a streetlight or lamp, can stop the re-flowering process.



In the daytime, from October through December, the plant will need 6 - 8 hours of bright sunlight daily, with night temperatures between 60 - 70° F. Temperatures outside of this range can also delay flowering.



Following this regime faithfully for eight to ten weeks should give you a flowering Poinsettia for the Christmas season; the actual bloom time will depend on the particular variety.



Good Luck!
Reply:I would try posting this question in another section. This is diet and fitness and well, probably not a lot of knowledge about poinsettias in this section.
Reply:LOOK IT UP ON THE NET JUST TYPE IN POINSETTIAS AND YOU WILL GET YOUR ANSWER
Reply:I think I would post this in the Home %26amp; Garden section to get a more qualified answer. If it were me, I would buy them already blooming.



If I can be of assistance, let me know.



pktull@yahoo.com

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Reply:Is your plant inside or outside?



The amount of light and temperature change is what makes the plant bloom. The plant should have been bear rooted and cut back to 4 inch stalks and kept in a dry dark place.



Early Fall (before frost) bring it indoors. In order for it to bloom for Christmas you need to trick it into thinking it's receiving the long nights it needs to trigger blossoms. So in October move them into a totally dark closet for 14 hours (of night). Bring out into sunlight for 10 hours (of day). Do this every day for 10 weeks and you will have blossoms in time for the Christmas Holidays.

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