RALEIGH — The poinsettia is a decorating staple for the winter holidays, but few may know that North Carolina is the second-largest producer of poinsettias in the United States.
“North Carolina produced about 4.2 million poinsettias in 2010 and generated cash receipts of $16.1 million,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “That’s an important part of the state’s $239 million floriculture industry, which ranks fifth nationally.”
Poinsettias are grown in greenhouses across the state under specific climatic requirements. The plants must receive a controlled balance of sunlight and darkness in order to produce the vibrant red, pink, white and marble shades popular during the holiday season.
“In addition to being useful in your own holiday decorating, poinsettias make great gifts,” said Troxler. “You can find locally grown poinsettias at nurseries, farmers markets, garden centers, florists and even grocery stores.”
Consumers and growers can learn more about poinsettias through the following informational events planned across the state in the coming weeks:
- Homewood Nursery and Garden Center in Raleigh will host a poinsettia open house Saturday, Nov. 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- The N.C. State University Poinsettia Trial Open House will be held at the Horticulture Field Lab, next to the J.C. Raulston Arboretum, in Raleigh on Wednesday Nov. 30, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for growers. The public is invited to a separate poinsettia open house on Sunday, Dec. 4, from 1 to 5 p.m.
- Mitchell’s Nursery and Greenhouse in King will host a poinsettia open house Sunday, Dec. 4, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
For more information about the open houses or where to find N.C. poinsettias, go to www.ncflowers.org or www.ncfarmfresh.com.
Source: North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services