Poinsettia

[Dicky99]

I noticed that by the last week in October Tesco already had poinsettia in stock.
I do like a Christmas poinsettia or two but I'd be mad to buy in October because however I try to manage them they start shedding about an hour after I get home, but if I buy in mid December they're okay looking until just after New Year by which time they're looking somewhat diminished.
DAK of a fool proof way of reducing the shedding or is it just a matter of accepting them for what they are, a wonderfully brief display.

[bungeejumper]

They should last till Xmas with no fuss at all. Don't over-water, and don't let them get below about 12C, though, because they'll droop and not come back. Don't ask me how I know.

As some may know, professional growers persuade poinsettias to turn red by convincing them that it's midwinter. Their greenhouses have computer-controlled blinds that ensure at least 12 daily hours of complete darkness, followed by bright light - and I'm told that even the slightest timing glitch (by even ten minutes) can be enough to make the whole lot unsaleable. Ouch!

BJ