When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
Many Americans only see poinsettia plants when they are wrapped in tinsel on the holiday table. If that’s your experience, it’s time you learned about growing poinsettia plants outside. If you live in U. S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 12, you can begin poinsettia care outdoors. Just be sure that cold temperatures in your area don’t drop below 45 degrees F (7 C).
Poinsettias are a classic holiday plant that can add festive color to any home during the winter months With their bright red or white bracts, poinsettias are a staple of Christmas decor But did you know that these plants can also thrive outside in the garden? Here’s a complete guide to growing poinsettias outdoors.
Poinsettias are native to southern Mexico and Central America. They are actually a type of subtropical shrub that can grow quite large in the wild sometimes reaching 10 feet tall! The colorful red pink, or white “flowers” are modified leaves called bracts that surround the tiny yellow flowers in the center.
While poinsettias are commonly used as houseplants during Christmas, they can also be planted outdoors in frost-free climates. With the proper care and conditions, poinsettias can be grown as perennials in USDA Zones 9-11.
When to Plant Poinsettias Outdoors
Poinsettias should not be planted outside until after the last frost date has passed in spring. Planting too early while nighttime temperatures are still cool will damage the plants.
Wait until daytime temps are above 60°F and nighttime lows stay above 55°F before transplanting poinsettias into the garden. This is usually in April or May for most frost-free climates.
If you received a poinsettia during the holidays, you can keep it indoors as a houseplant until it’s time for spring planting. Cut back the stems in March and repot the plant to condition it for transfer outdoors
Choosing the Best Location
When selecting the planting location, choose a spot that receives full sun to partial shade. Poinsettias prefer morning sun over hot afternoon sun in warmer climates. Shelter the plants from strong winds which can damage the bracts and stems.
Well-draining soil is ideal, as poinsettias are prone to root rot if left in standing water or overly wet soil. Mix in organic compost to enrich the soil and improve drainage. The ideal soil pH for poinsettias is slightly acidic, around 5.5 to 6.5.
Planting Instructions
Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the poinsettia’s root ball. Carefully remove the plant from its container and loosen any circled roots. Place the poinsettia in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Fill in the hole and press down firmly to remove any air pockets.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil. Add 2-3 inches of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Growing and Caring for Outdoor Poinsettias
-
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not saturated. Water whenever the top few inches become dry. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to disease.
-
Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. Discontinue fertilizer after September.
-
Pruning: Pinch back the tips of new growth to promote bushiness. Stop pruning by mid-August so flower bracts can develop.
-
Pests: Monitor for common poinsettia pests like whiteflies, mealybugs, and mites. Use horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps for treatment.
-
Overwintering: In colder zones, poinsettias can be overwintered indoors near a sunny window. Dig up the plants after the first fall frost and repot.
-
Hardiness: Outdoor poinsettias are considered hardy only in USDA Zones 9-11 where temperatures do not dip below 45°F. Mulch heavily in fall for insulation.
Getting Poinsettias to Rebloom
With the proper conditions, poinsettias can be encouraged to rebloom in time for the winter holidays:
-
Starting October 1st, the plants must receive complete darkness for 14 hours each night. Any interruption of light can prevent flowering.
-
Night temperatures during this period should be around 60-70°F.
-
Fertilize the plants with a high phosphorous fertilizer to promote blooming.
-
Discontinue all pruning during the bloom initiation period.
-
Bracts should begin changing color and be fully colored by early December.
-
After blooming, poinsettias require adequate sunlight and warmth to retain bract color through the holidays.
Common Problems With Poinsettias
Here are some common issues poinsettias may encounter when grown outdoors:
-
Dropping leaves – This is usually caused by cold drafts, overwatering, or lack of sunlight.
-
Wilting – Wilting leaves often indicate underwatering. Check soil moisture and water the plant if dry.
-
Root rot – Soggy soil and poor drainage can cause root rot. Allow soil to dry between waterings.
-
Pests – Watch for whiteflies, spider mites, mealybugs, and other common poinsettia pests. Treat with horticultural oils or insecticidal soap sprays.
-
No flowers/bracts – Insufficient sunlight, pruning at the wrong time, and interrupted dark periods can prevent flowering.
Growing Stunning Poinsettias in Your Garden
With proper planting, care, and overwintering, poinsettias can be transformed from holiday houseplants into vibrant outdoor shrubs. Their colorful bracts will add tropical flair to the landscape. Just be sure to provide plenty of sunshine, rich soil, consistent watering, and protection from cold temperatures. In the right climate, poinsettias can thrive outdoors year-round!
Growing Poinsettia Plants Outside
When you start planting poinsettia outdoors, you’ll have to find a location with similar attributes. Poinsettia plants that are kept outside need to be in a sunny spot that is out of the way of strong winds that can kill them quickly.
When you are growing poinsettia plants outside, choose a spot with slightly acidic, well-draining soil. Be sure it drains well to avoid root rot. Don’t transplant poinsettia plants outdoors right after Christmas. When all the leaves fall off, cut the bush back to two buds and place it somewhere bright. You can start planting poinsettia outdoors after all chance of frost has passed.
Can Poinsettias Grow Outdoors?
Can poinsettias grow outdoors? How? Yes. These bright Christmas favorites can grow up to 10 feet (3 m) tall if they are planted in the right place and given the right care. ) shrubs in rapid order.
If your potted holiday plant makes you want to plant poinsettia outside, you need to start taking good care of it as soon as it gets there. When the soil in your potted poinsettia starts to dry out, water it. Then, put it somewhere sunny in your home that is out of the way of air currents.
TIPS TO GROW POINSETTIA OUTDOORS YEAR ROUND | BEST FERTILIZER | CALIFORNIA MICROCLIMATES | USDA Z9b
FAQ
Can a poinsettia plant survive outside?
Do poinsettias like sun or shade?
Can I plant my poinsettia in the ground?
Do poinsettias come back every year?
Can poinsettias grow outside?
In zones 9-11, poinsettias can easily grow outdoors but require protection from wind, well-drained soil, and proper lighting. It seems strange that these plants that we associate with the winter holidays are warm-weather plants, but it’s true. In USDA zones 9-11, poinsettias can be grown outdoors in the ground all year.
Can you plant poinsettias outside after Christmas?
Don’t transplant poinsettia plants outdoors right after Christmas. Once all of the leaves have died back, prune the bushes back to two buds and keep it in a bright location. You can start planting poinsettia outdoors after all chance of frost has passed. Caring for outdoor poinsettia plants is not very time consuming or intricate.
When should you plant a poinsettia outside?
It is essential to wait until all danger of frost has passed before attempting to plant them outside. Spring or early summer is typically the best time for outdoor planting. Gradual Transition: Acclimate your poinsettia to outdoor conditions by gradually exposing it to sunlight and temperature variations.
How do you plant a poinsettia plant?
Planting: Remove the poinsettia from its container and gently loosen the roots if they appear compacted. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring that it sits at the same depth as it did in its pot. Backfill and Water: Fill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the base of the plant to remove air pockets.
What temperature should a poinsettia be outside?
Speaking of which, 50°F is the minimum temperature that you should keep in mind for outdoor exposure. A poinsettia will drop its leaves prematurely when it’s colder than 50°F out, while frost and subfreezing temperatures can kill these plants.
Can a poinsettia grow in a pot?
The Poinsettia can adapt very well to sudden changes in temperature and thrive in four distinct and well-marked seasons. Of course, the plant is more susceptible to changes in temperature, and it is in this environment that it should care for the most when it is newly transplanted from the pot to the garden.