Poinsettia Update 23-Oct-2010

Here are the latest poinsettia images from the greenhouse.  There is a lot of color being added to the bracts compared to last week's edition. Note the difference in leaf color from Bench 12 and Bench 13.  Those are two different red varieties.  The last picture is that of the white hydrangeas.  The flowers are developing nicely.  Let me know what you think.....

Color is happening -

This week, we definitely can see a change in the bracts color.  Also, as daytime temps rise, I have also noticed an increase in white fly populations.  We will take care of that problem tomorrow with a second application of a systemic insecticide.

The last picture shows a macro image of the beginning of the cyathia flower formation. (I was having some fun with my new Nikon 60mm macro lens.)

We have color! and its not just green....

This week, we started noticing certain varieties beginning to show some color.

The hydrangeas are growing and showing excellent dark green color....

As mentioned earlier, some of the poinsettias were too light green the color is changing to a dark green foliage, but given today's light intensity the poinsettias still look light green.  I am noticing a significant darkening of the leaves as well as some good growth.

Today, 9-October, we had day time temperatures in the mid to upper 80's with a lot of sun.  Night time temperatures have been in the low 40's so that means I have been heating the greenhouses.

poinsettias are finally completely spaced out....

As mentioned last week, my timing of removing the shade, in conjunction with 95 plus degree sunny days (interior of greenhouse topped over 100 degrees) led to some yellowing.

After checking my water alkalinity and testing the poinsettia's Ph I found that the Ph is too high.  It is a tad over 7.  Today, we started injecting a 21-7-7 Acid fertilizer at 300 ppm.

Also, this week saw the temps start dropping and we are headed for the 40's.  Over the past couple days I have been working on the heating system.  Plastic, rubber and extreme greenhouse temperatures don't always make for the best conditions.  I knew I had some broken micro-tubing fittings, so those were repaired.  The boiler needs a cleaning and I will work on that next week.  However, this weekend the poinsettias will stay at ideal night time temperatures.

Also, we transplanted the white hydrangeas.  So in addition to seeing the poinsettias progress this fall, you can follow and watch the Christmhas hydrangeas grow

Bench 12

White Hydrangeas

Repaired micro tube elbow?

Poinsettia update:

After removing the shade cloth, the poinsettias turned a bit yellow, however, that will change as the plants acclimate to the new light and we adjust fertilizers.

In addition to the the poinsettias, I received the hydrangeas yesterday.  Note the variety? Snowball.  I would say that is an appropriate name for them.

Poinsettia Update: Final Spacing.

Supplemental light

non-pinched poinsettias 

This week we concluded the final spacing on most of the poinsettias.  One bench still needs to be spaced.  Also we removed the shade cloth from the greenhouse roofs.

Spacing continues

As of this morning the poinsettias continue their fine growth rate.  Here are some shots I took early this morning...actually it wasn't too early...7:30am isn't early right?.