Poinsettia Paradise!

December 16, 2008 - A seasonal outing to Bloedel Conservatory is well worth a visit to view the lush and colourful poinsettia displays. Over 1,200 plants are artfully arranged amidst the greenery of this tropical paradise "under the dome." The choice of colours and varieties of poinsettias - the most popular potted plant of the holiday season - has exploded over recent years. No more just the perennial reds! Varieties of white, every shade pink and magenta as well as multicolored plants are now available.

Each year the Park Board's own Sunset Nursery grows 2,000 poinsettias that are displayed at Bloedel and also brighten offices and foyers throughout the Park Board system.

What most people don't know is that there is quite an art to growing a perfect poinsettia! This is the most studied floriculture crop worldwide. To produce a quality poinsettia crop requires a real team effort for 4 ½ months, seven days a week. In February each year, Sunset Nursery staff choose twenty unique varieties from two poinsettia breeders. The nursery receives the cuttings in mid July which are immediately transplanted into 6" and 10" pots and 14" hanging baskets. A strict nutritional diet is needed. Soil and tissue samples are flown to the Netherlands to be analyzed. This is done to ensure that nutrition stays on track and growth is maximized. Sunset Nursery is proudly taking a leadership role by producing insecticide free poinsettias. With the help of predator insects staff are able to maintain a pest population that is low enough to not adversely affect the overall aesthetics of the plant. By late November and early December the poinsettias fill two glass houses with bright colours. Enjoy!