Poinsetta going red in classroom?

I am about to start working on getting my poinsettia to go red in my classroom. I have a dark closet all ready for it for 3 pm to 8 am. Over the weekends should I leave it out or put it in the closet? Its too big to truck home with me every weekend. Which is better for it while I'm trying to get it red again?



It's not a big deal if it stays green, I'm just excited it still looks great, but I figured I'd give this a shot.

Poinsetta going red in classroom?
* * * * Hello. I am a Certified Master Gardener. * * * *



Keep the poinsetta in a completely dark place for 14 hours a day.



Then bring it out into light for 10 hours a day.



Do this for 10 weeks, and you will have red flowers.



I hope this helps.



JUDGE'S JUNGLE
Reply:Leave it in the dark over the weekend, at the university we grew them by the 1000's
Reply:If it were me, I'd leave it out during the weekends. Light is more important than the dark.



Many years ago we lived in south Florida where there are mild winters. We had a poinsettia planted outside that grew to be a five foot tall shrub. Even though street lights were near by, it still turned a beautiful red in the winter. Our neighbors had one too and it turned red.
Reply:They need 14hrs. of darkness and 10 of sun for 10wks. starting now to turn in time for the holiday. Even the least amount of light during the 14hrs. of darkness will stop the color change. Leave the plant in the dark over the weekend. It may slow things down but it should still turn red. RScott

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