Mike Pearson wishes everyone a Merry Christmas! He explains what's behind the Poinsettia business in the USA.

The poinsettia is native to Mexico and stretches back to the 1500's.

Legend has it that a poor girl gathered weeds along the roadside and when she presented them at a party, they bloomed into the Poinsettia.

The poinsettia name is not native to Mexico.

A U.S. ambassador introduced the flower back to the USA in the early 1900's.

It's not hard to understand why this flower is tied to the Christmas season. It's colors of beautiful red flowers and bright green foliage and the blooming season during the Christmas season which is what makes it so popular.

Over time, the flower has become a sign of a celebration and good will during the Christmas season.

And the poinsettia growing business is a thriving industry in the USA. It is one of the top selling potted plants for both producers and retailers.

Growers must manage plants to make sure the plants reach their full potential and most do so in a controlled green house.

The poinsettia is a photo periodic plant which means it requires 14 hours of uninterrupted darkness in order to reach the beautiful colors for six-eight weeks before they bloom.

Over 70 million poinsettias are expected to be sold during the Christmas season.

Related:Farm Progress America, Jan. 16, 2025

Farm Progress America is a daily look at key issues in agriculture. It is produced and presented by Mike Pearson, farm broadcaster and host of This Week in Agribusiness.