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Season 2 • Episode 21 - October 26, 2023
Believe it or not, it is time for
poinsettias. They are starting to make their appearance
at local garden centers and other stores. The big push
will be in a couple of weeks but you can get some nice
plants right now. The big questions that we hear are
"how do you grow them?", "how do I pick a good one?",
and "how can I make it last?" To find out the answer to
these questions we stopped by the Sherwood location of
Al's Garden & Home (503-726-1162) and talked to
Dorothy, the grower. She pulled a few plants out of the
greenhouse to show us the different varieties and to
explain how they are grown. They start growing them in
the middle of summer and use a combination of light,
shade, coolness and heat to trick the plants into
producing wonderful color! Did you know that colors of
poinsettias and holiday décor change every year? Buyers
and designers at your local stores know this and try to
bring in the new and "trending" decorations every year.
This year they are growing 25 different varieties of
poinsettias for their stores.
If you are looking for a good plant, first look for good
branching. A single branch plant will not give you the
bunches of blooms that you want. And speaking of blooms,
the bright colors you see are not the flowers of the
poinsettia. The flower is the small center buds that are
usually yellow. The bright colors are modified leaves
(bracts). As for the blooms you will want small, tight
buds that are not yellow yet. That means they are early
in their bloom cycle. Also look for good healthy green
leaves under the brightly colored ones.
Now that you have picked out a good one, how can you
make it last? Al's recommends that you treat your plant
with tender loving care. Make sure that is doesn't get
placed in too hot of a spot, that it doesn't get in too
many drafts and keep it in bright non-direct sunlight.
You will also want to water it regularly without
overwatering or having it set in water. Remember to
remove the decorative foil sleeve when you are watering
it. If you follow these tips it will be around for a
couple of months if not longer! You can find a sheet of
'care tips' at all Al's Garden & Home locations or on
their website.
Also, you can find all of these varieties at the
upcoming Al's Week of Lights event. Dorothy told us how
you can experience a year of preparation for the holiday
season at this event. Al's buyers have traveled far and
wide to bring you the newest trends and decorating
ideas. The event takes place at the Sherwood location on
November 2nd from 4:00-8:00pm, the Gresham location on
November 3rd from 4:00-8:00pm, the Wilsonville location
on November 4th from 4:00-8:00pm and the Woodburn
location on November 5th from 1:00-5:00pm! If you would
like to see how they grow these beauties then you should
take a tour of the Al's growing facilities at the
Gresham location on November 5th. This is a great tour
but it does require that you reserve your spot. Even if
you can't make the tour, don't miss the party at your
local Al's Garden & Home center.
During the holiday season you can also pick out some
great holiday décor at all four stores. Each store has a
huge selection of decorated trees to give you ideas on
what you can do in your own home. This coming week is a
great time to get started on your holiday prep, and have
a wonderful evening strolling through the stores,
enjoying live music, food and beverages, some time with
Santa and even a 25 percent discount on your purchase
(some restrictions apply). There are lots of
opportunities to get you and your home ready for the
wonderful holidays ahead.
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