Source:  NCDA&CS, 11/19/10

North Carolina poinsettia growers are gearing up now for their busy season, and since the Tar Heel state is the second-largest producer of poinsettias in the United States, it promises to be a very busy time.

Poinsettias are decorating staples for many people for the winter holidays and come in a multitude of shades red, pink, white and marble.

“North Carolina produced about 4.7 million poinsettias in 2009 and generated cash receipts of $17.1 million,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Overall, the floriculture sector contributes more than $238 million to our state’s economy, and poinsettias play an important role in that industry.”

Poinsettias are grown in greenhouses across the state under specific climatic requirements. The plants must receive a balance of sunlight and darkness to produce quality plants for the holiday season.

“With so many poinsettias produced in the state, it is easy to find locally grown plants,” Troxler said. “Look for them at nurseries, farmers markets, garden centers, florists and grocery stores across the state.”

A number of open house events will take place across the state in the coming weeks with information for both growers and consumers. Homewood Nursery and Garden Center in Raleigh will host a poinsettia open house on Saturday, Nov. 20, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mitchell’s Nursery and Greenhouse in King will host a poinsettia open house Sunday, Dec. 5, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. The N.C. State University National Poinsettia Trial Open House will be held at the Horticulture Field Lab next to the J.C. Raulston Arboretum on Wednesday, Dec. 1, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for growers, and for the public on Sunday, Dec. 5, from 1 to 5 p.m.

For more information about any of the open house events or where to find locally grown poinsettias, go to www.ncflowers.org or www.ncfarmfresh.com.