Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is one of the most widely produced and popular indoor flowering pot plants in the
Euphorbia martinii ‘Tiny Tim’ (‘Waleutiny’) is a dwarf sport that grows in a dome-shaped habit 10-12 inches tall when in flower. Its small leaves are green with a burgundy cast underside that complements its burgundy stems. Long-lived, light-cream-colored bracts with bright-red flowers in the centers accent foliage late spring to midsummer. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 6b-8.
Euphorbia characias ssp. wulfenii ‘Tasmanian Tiger’ was selected for its eye-catching variegated leaves that have gray-green centers and white margins. The plant has a rounded habit. It reaches 15-18 inches tall in flower and 18 inches wide. It produces pale-green stems and tall flower spikes covered with cream-white bracts. Hardy to Zone 7, possibly some Zone 6.
E. hybrida Blackbird (‘Nothowlee’) has dark-purple foliage that darkens to nearly black in full sun. It reaches 20-24 inches tall with green-yellow bracts in spring that contrast well with the dark foliage. It tolerates higher temperatures. Hardy in Zones 6-9.
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Rooted liners are available from licensed propagators, including
Plant liners in a well-drained growing medium with a pH of 5.8-6.2. For summer and fall sales, liners should be transplanted in spring or early summer. Transplanting liners in early fall for overwintering in a cool greenhouse produces quality flowering plants for spring sales.
Plant liners so the crowns are at soil level. Allow the medium to dry thoroughly between waterings. Avoid overhead irrigation. Euphorbias aren’t heavy feeders so keep fertility levels low to avoid root problems.
Grow plants at a rooting temperature of 65°F-72°F. Once liners are established, the production temperature can be lowered to 60°F-70°F. Plants can be held outdoors at 40°F-50°F. Plants do best in high light levels.
Plants can be treated with a growth regulator and pinched three to four weeks after planting to promote basal branching. Growers have had success using B-Nine to control height.
A preventive fungicide drench is recommended after liners are planted. Additional drenches may be needed during winter production. Downy mildew and powdery mildew can be problems in fall and winter.
Space plants early in the growing cycle to produce better form and foliage color and decrease Botrytis and other foliar diseases.
No real pest problems, but watch for mites during hot weather.
Blackbird and ‘Tiny Tim’ plants produced in 1-gallon containers from 72-cell liners finish in six to eight weeks. Production time is 10-12 weeks if plants are finished from 128-cell liners. It is recommended that ‘Tiny Tim’ be produced in 4-inch or quart size containers.
‘Tasmanian Tiger’ grown in 1-gallon containers from 72-cell plugs takes 10-12 weeks to finish from spring transplant. For fall production, finish time is lengthened to 26 weeks.
For more: PlantHaven Inc., (805) 569-9179; www.planthaven.com. Skagit Gardens Inc., (800) 334-1719; www.skagitgardens.com.
Specifics
Name: Euphorbia.
Crop timing: Depends on species, cultivar and time of year. Plants finished in 1-gallon containers from 72-cell plug liners can take from six to 26 weeks. Production from 128-cell liners extends production about four weeks.
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Grower benefits: Plants can be grown cool and don’t require a lot of water or fertilizer. Few pest problems. Plants can be used in containers as specimens or in combinations and in landscapes.