Christmas Bells™
An exceptional mid-to-late poinsettia variety for almost all regions. Christmas Bells provides vibrantly rich, deep red-colored bracts. The very strong, upright, V-shaped habit works well with no rings in larger containers. This variety is the best late-season choice for Northern growers, with an excellent post-harvest performance.
Plant Vigor: Medium
V-Shaped Habit: Narrow
Characteristics
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Season:Mid Season
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Foliage:dark green
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Natural Flower (first pollen):Nov. 23-27
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Response Time in weeks (first pollen):8
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Vigor:medium
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Habit:narrow
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Average Bract Size:large, pointed
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Post Harvest:very good
Finishing Recommendations
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Energy Efficient:
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Varieties are rated from most (
) to least (
) efficient. Contact us for guides.
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Cool Finish (24 hrs avg.):63°F / 17°C
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Indicates minimum temperature starting two weeks after the beginning of short days. Please note that a crop grown cooler requires more time to finish (4 to 7 days), and will have smaller bracts and darker color (for example, white may turn cream-yellow). Toward the end of the crop (two weeks prior to shipping), slowly lower the temperature for green-leafed varieties to 65°F (18°C) day/night and dark green-leafed varieties to 63°F (17°C) day/night.
Space Efficient:
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Varieties are rated from most () to least () efficient. Contact us for guides.
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Recommended spacing for 6":13"x13"
Download Culture Details
GARY’S
NOTES
CULTURE THAT WORKS
propagation
- Roots rapidly; plant from liner at 19-21 days; apply rooting hormone to base of cutting.
- Uses feed aggressively; start feed program around day 7; failure to feed early enough will result in yellowing.
- High vigor level; will require PGR application in propagation; 500-750 ppm Cycocel spray at day 15-20 and can be repeated if necessary.
- Plant from liners to finished container when well rooted.
early finished growth
- Must be pinched early: at day 14-16 from a liner; at day 24-26 for direct stick; failure to pinch early will result in uneven branching.
- Apply light PGR when branches are 1-1.5 in. (2.5-4 cm) using Cycocel spray at 500-750 ppm; recommended to even out the branches.
- Branching occurs rapidly after pinch; PGR may be needed at 7 days.
- Very upright habit and can go to final spacing very early if needed; rings can be avoided, even in large pots.
growing on
- Grows aggressively when branches develop; strong growth October into early November; slows as finish approaches in late November.
- Northern Climate: PGR limited to Cycocel spray at 500-1,000 ppm.
- Southern Climate: Use 1-2 spray applications of B-Nine (1,000 ppm)/Cycocel (500 ppm) before September 20.
- Late PGR applications: Cycocel spray 500-750 ppm, end October 15.
- Micro Bonzi drenches can begin in early October; too aggressive PGR applications in October can result in smaller bracts.
late growing stages
- Feed continuously until finish; watch media EC and reduce feed levels to avoid rapid increase; indicates plants' need for nutrition is waning.
- High EC at finish can result in root damage, reduced shelf life and possible Pythium.
- Finishes naturally in late November to early December; can be held cool to target week 50-51 sales; avoid dew point to prevent Botrytis.