For the sixth year, the Paul Ecke Ranch in Encinitas, California held its annual
poinsettia trial. This event brought 175 visitors to the 23-acre facility from
November 30 to December 4. More than 80 different Ecke varieties were on
display, along with a number of plants from other breeding companies for the
comparative trials. Andy Higgins says its the last full poinsettia trial on the
West Coast.
The first thing you notice when you turn into the drive heading toward the main
office is the lone poinsettia bush nestled conspicuously next to the white
fence. Called St. Louis, its the last remaining poinsettia from a field that
used to be filled with these plants. This variety dates back before the 1960s,
making it one of the oldest poinsettias on the Ranch. Talk about old school!
We also saw a collection of Dulce Rosa-like euphorbias that Ecke is planning to
roll out for 2011. There were three experimentals on display in bold colors and
bracts that split to create fully double flowers. Ecke is hoping this opens the
door to multi-season sales during different times of the year.
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Grower Talks