Flowers for the Holidays

Colorful Poinsettias

While the Christmas tree may be the plant most commonly associated with the holidays, flowers like poinsettias, Christmas cactus, and amaryllis are an equally important part of the Christmas tradition and are widely available from garden centers this time of the year.

Indoors, amaryllis, poinsettias, and Christmas cactus will grow best in a brightly lit, warm (60 to 75 degree) area away from cold drafts. Keeping these plants evenly moist, but not overwatered, is the real key to success. Like most houseplants, poinsettia, amaryllis, and Christmas cactus especially resent staying wet and will rot if kept continuously soggy. The most accurate way to tell if a potted plant needs to be watered is to check the potting soil. When the soil feels dry and the containers feel light when lifted, it is time to water.

To learn more about caring for these plants through the holidays and beyond, read the whole article posted on the Pender Cooperative Extension website: http://pender.ces.ncsu.edu/2012/12/flowers-for-the-holidays/

Amaryllis - A Gift that Keeps Giving!

Amaryllis are hardy outdoors in SE NC.

Amaryllis bulbs are extremely easy and fun to grow, making them a wonderful gift for gardeners of all ages and experience levels. Bulbs purchased and potted now will bloom in three to six weeks, but the enjoyment does not end after the flowers fade. Amaryllis are hardy bulbs in our area, which means they can be planted outside in the landscape in spring, to multiply and bloom for years to come. 

Many garden centers currently have specially prepared bulbs or kits in stock. Kits usually include potting soil, a container and a bulb and make a great gift. Individual bulbs may also be purchased. When purchasing amaryllis bulbs, make sure you purchase a large, firm bulb free of cuts or bruises. Bulb size is important because the flowers the plant will produce are already inside the bulb. Larger bulbs will have larger flowers and will produce more flowering stalks. 

To learn more about growing Amaryllis, read the rest of the article posted on the Pender Extension website, http://pender.ces.ncsu.edu/index.php?page=news&ci=LAWN+161.

Poinsettia Pointers

With over 100 different varieties of poinsettias available in a diversity of colors including white, pink, rose, coral, salmon, and every tint of red, crimson, and scarlet imaginable, it should not be difficult to find the perfect one to match any home décor or holiday theme. Variety does not stop just with color either. Poinsettias can be found with leaves edged and frosted in white and with petal-like bracts that are marbled, dusted, or splashed in multiple colors. Bracts of the ‘Winter Rose’ series of poinsettia are pleated and incurved so that they actually do resemble rose flowers. 

Whether you stick with a traditional red variety this Christmas or try one of the newer color creations, the tips in this Pender Gardener article will help you get the most out of your poinsettia during the holidays and beyond. Read the article on the Pender Extension website: http://pender.ces.ncsu.edu/index.php?page=news&ci=LAWN+160.

 

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Using Natural Pesticides

Colorado potato beetle larvae (seen right) can be controlled with natural pesticides containing spinosad. Because natural pesticides break down faster than synthetic products, they need to be reapplied more often. 

In the last few years, the number of natural pesticides available from local garden centers has increased. These products, derived from plants, microorganisms and other naturally occurring materials can be used to successfully control insect pests in the garden and landscape, when used properly. Simply substituting natural products in place of more traditional synthetic pesticides though rarely provides good results. 

Learn more! Read the rest of the story on the Pender County Cooperative Extension website: http://pender.ces.ncsu.edu/index.php?page=news&ci=AGRI+9

A Cactus for Christmas!

Cacti are usually not at the top of most people’s gift list, to give or receive. This is probably because they are generally thought of as prickly desert dwellers. Not all cacti fit this description though - especially not the colorful, completely thorn-free, easy care holiday cactus. Developed from the old-time Christmas cactus, the modern holiday cactus has larger flowers than its parent, blooms in both winter and spring, and would make a great gift for anyone.

Learn more about how to care for holiday cactus! Read the rest of the story on the Pender County Cooperative Extension website: http://pender.ces.ncsu.edu/index.php?page=news&ci=LAWN+107.

Poinsettias - Go Beyond Red this Christmas!

If red is the only color that comes to mind when you think of poinsettias then it may be time for you to visit your local garden center! Today there are over 100 different varieties of poinsettias available in a range of colors including white, pink, rose, coral, salmon, and every tint of red, crimson, and scarlet imaginable. Variety does not stop with color either. Poinsettias can be found with leaves edged and frosted in white and with petal-like bracts that are marbled, dusted, or splashed in multiple colors. Whether you stick with a traditional red variety this Christmas or try one of the newer color creations, the following quick tips will help you get the most out of your poinsettia this holiday season.

Learn More! Read the rest of the story on the Pender County Cooperative Extension website, http://pender.ces.ncsu.edu/index.php?page=news&ci=LAWN+106.

Start Amaryllis Now for the Holidays!

'Minerva' is one of many varieties of Amaryllis available to force into bloom for the holidays.

Amaryllis are extremely easy and fun to grow and now is the time to get them started to bloom for the holidays. Fortunately the enjoyment does not end after the blossoms fade. Amaryllis are hardy bulbs in our area, which means you can plant your amaryllis outside in the landscape in spring, where it will blossom each spring for years to come.

Learn more! Read the rest of the story on the Pender Extension website: http://pender.ces.ncsu.edu/index.php?page=news&ci=LAWN+103.

Poinsettias for Every Decor!

'Dulce Rosa' is one of the newest poinsettia varieties to hit the market, with bright pink long lasting flowers. If you're in the mood for something more traditional this holiday season there are plenty of classic reds available as well!

With over 100 different varieties of poinsettias available today in a diversity of colors including white, pink, rose, coral, salmon, and every tint of red, crimson, and scarlet imaginable, it should not be difficult to find the perfect one to match any home décor or holiday theme. One new variety, known as Dulce Rosa, has flowers described as fluorescent pink! Variety does not stop just with color either. Poinsettias can be found with leaves edged and frosted in white and with petal-like bracts that are marbled, dusted, or splashed in multiple colors. There is even a series known as ‘Winter Rose’ whose bracts are pleated and incurved so that they actually do resemble rose flowers. Whether you stick with a traditional red variety this Christmas or try one of the newer color creations, the following quick tips will help you get the most out of your poinsettia this holiday season.

For tips on caring for poinsettias, click here to read the entire article on the Pender County Extension website.

Start Amaryllis Now for the Holidays and Beyond!

This beautiful red amaryllis has been forced on a special vase that allows its roots to grow down into water while supporting the bulb and holding the flower stalk upright. Whether you grow your amaryllis on a vase or in a container, now is the time to get them started for holiday blossoms. Amaryllis are extremely easy and fun to grow, for both adults and kids. And the enjoyment does not end after the holidays. Amaryllis are hardy bulbs in our area, which means you can plant your amaryllis outside in the landscape in spring, where it will blossom each spring, year after year.

Click here to read more . . .