Carpinteria Plays a Big Role in Poinsettia Popularity for the Holidays

Carpinteria flower grower Jerry Van Wingerden says “We’re ready,” as he looks over 15,000 pots of poinsettias. Next week they will head to grocery stores, florists, and farmers market locations throughout the west.

Nearly all have green leaves on the bottom and striking red leaves on top. They are the number one potted plant sold in the U.S. -not just for the holidays – but all year.

Van Wingerden has a large section set aside in a greenhouse at Westland Orchids, and a relative is growing them nearby in the flower rich Carpinteria Valley.

The plants are measuring up perfectly for store specifications that come from buyers including Bristol Farms, and Albertsons.

“It is coloring up perfectly to be ready the time the supermarket wants them for the day after Thanksgiving,” said Van Wingerden.

His work started with cuttings back in August.

A measuring stick is used along with creative growing techniques to make sure the plants have a top quality look when it’s time for the buyers.

Most are six-inch pots. Some are four-inchers for residents in smaller living areas.

“A lot of apartments or condominium people, they don’t want the bigger plant,” Van Wingerden said while watching a worker check the moisture and size of the poinsettias a few rows away. “He is looking at the moisture and checking on the root structure.”

A drip irrigation system with fertilizer manages the specific amount of water each plant needs, and keeps the water bills as low as possible during the drought.

Black tarps are used at times to keep the sunshine from waking up the plants growing cycle too fast. The maximum height for some stores is 18 inches.

Amidst the red poinsettias, are some white ones. They are often used by churches as part of their altar displays.

“The poinsettia as well as any other flower arraignment can be very instrumental for people’s happiness,” said Van Wingerden.