Did you know Christmas beauty grows in the dark?

Native to Mexico, poinsettias was used by the Aztecs for dye and medicine long before becoming the Christmas star today. Poinsettia’s success is also a tribute to European plant science and high-tech innovation in the horticultural sector [1; 2]. The bright red “petals” we love are leaves, while the true flowers are tiny yellow buds in the center. The vibrant red colour needs darkness and is triggered when growers put plants in a short daylight regime (8h light/14h dark). Behind each festive burst of red lies a precise race against the calendar. About 10 weeks before market display, growers, greenhouse engineers and logistics teams work in coordination to ensure the desired plant size and colour is ready for December. 

More than 100 varieties have been developed with colours ranging from classic red, pink, white, and even speckled patterns. By enhancing genetic diversity, breeders continue to expand the palette of colours, leaf shapes and plant sizes to help celebrate the festive season and meet market demands.

[1] How Irish growers turn poinsettias into iconic Christmas plants| RTE
[2] Search results: poinsettia | AIPH