How to get poinseitta to bloom?

when do i try to force my poinsettia into bloom in time for christmas

How to get poinseitta to bloom?
Poinsettia Reflowering

Getting poinsettias to reflower is not easy, but with some patience and care it can be done.



Late Winter - Early Spring



Cut back each of the old flowering stems to 4 to 6 inches in height. Do this in February or early March. This will promote new growth.

Late Spring - Summer



Repot into a 2-3 inches in diameter larger pot. Make sure the soil mass is moistened and place in a sunny window. When all danger of frost has passed and night temperature are above 60°F the plant can be placed outdoors. Place the poinsettia in a shady location for two to three weeks to allow it to become acclimated to the new environment. Then sink the pot in a sunny protected outdoor flower bed. Light shade during the afternoon is okay.



Turn the poinsettia pot regularly to prevent rooting through the bottom hole. It is suggested that a quarter turn each week will prevent this and will also help to keep the plant growth even all around the pot. If the pot is not turned, one side may get more sun than the other.



If you prefer a short plant with many flowers, pinch out the growing shoots to encourage branching. Pinching should produce more flowers and a nice bushy plant. This should be done at 3 to 4 week intervals, according to the speed of growth. Pinch out the top 1/4 inch by hand. Two or three large fully expanded leaves should be left below the pinch; this serves as a guide for knowing when the shoots are ready for pinching. Continue this practice until mid- August, when the plant should have a satisfactory shape and number of shoots.



Keep the plant growing actively all summer by regular watering and feeding every two weeks with a complete soluble fertilizer (20-20-20).
Reply:Put it in a dark closet for 3 weeks.
Reply:Truely... I wouldn't suggest you bother. It isn't easy, it's months of work involving 12 hours of sun, and 12 of night. If the routine is broken, start over again.



Keep it growing in your yard for the summer and bring it in for the winter if it is important to you. Part shade outdoors. In the spring cut it back 4-6", it will fill back in through the summer. Keep it fertilized during the growing season.



I'd replace it for the holidays.



Sorry not so helpful... but my honest opinion.
Reply:They are known in the trade as "Buy and die " plants because they notoriously difficult to keep, so you have done really well if you have kept one since last Christmas.
Reply:It is really complicated. You need to reduce the amount of light and water it recieves, and then lengthen it again nearer blooming. I'm sure ther is a web site that can give you the exact amounts of light and water....

I don't know anyone who keeps Poinsettias. They are a disposable plant. They are cheap enough to buy every year..........