TIPS FOR MAKING YOUR POINSETTIA SHINE THROUGH THE SEASON AND BEYOND

 

(BPT) - Few plants are as iconic as the poinsettia. The eye-catching blooms are a holiday tradition around the world. But the blooms aren't a flower at all, they're actually the leaves, or bracts, of the plant. Poinsettia are native to Central America, and in 1825, those stunning red leaves captured the attention of the United States ambassador to Mexico. A century later, the poinsettia was brought to market as a Christmas season plant in the U.S.

Today, red is still the most popular color, making up about 80% of all the poinsettias grown. Breeders around the world are developing new varieties that offer more color choices for holiday décor. Shoppers can choose from brilliant whites, deep burgundy hues, sparkling pinks and a number of other specialty colors.

"Breeders are also enhancing features that make the plants more enjoyable for everyone," says Diane Blazek, executive director of National Garden Bureau. "They're developing varieties that bloom earlier, have longer-lasting blooms and unique bract shapes." National Garden Bureau talked with poinsettia experts to get a few tips for choosing, displaying and caring for this holiday plant.

Choosing your poinsettia

There are a few things to look for when choosing your poinsettia. "Make sure that the small yellow flowers in the center of the bracts (called cyathia - you can use that in your next cocktail party trivia!) are fresh and not turning brown," says Matt Blanchard, product manager with Syngenta Flowers. Poinsettias with withering or missing center flowers are past their prime.

Next, be sure both the leaves and the bracts look healthy. "The foliage can tell you a lot about the health of your poinsettia," says Lisa Heredia, marketing and key accounts for Danziger North America. "Look at the lower foliage and make sure the leaves are green and healthy. Check to make sure the overall plant is well hydrated; you don't want to see any droopy leaves."

Don't overwater

Experts agree overwatering is the most common problem when it comes to poinsettia care. "In the typical home, poinsettia only needs water every 5-7 days," says Rebecca Siemonsma, North American product manager for Dummen Orange. "Pick up the pot and if it feels light, then you want to water it."

The decorative pot covers most varieties are packaged in can add to the problem. They can hold too much water, something poinsettias do not like. Experts recommend punching holes in the bottom of those covers and adding a saucer. Be sure to empty the saucer so the plant is not standing in excess water.

Pairing poinsettia

Beautiful all on their own, poinsettia are also a natural for pairing with other holiday plants. "During the holiday season there is no better way to bring natural color into your décor," says Delilah Onofrey, marketing director, Suntory Flowers. "Mix them in dish gardens with other greenery such as ferns, and other foliage plants. Pair them with other blooming plants such as cyclamen and orchids. Or, have several of the same color in decorative pots for a tablescape."

Poinsettia are not poisonous

It is a common belief that poinsettia plants are poisonous. But the fact is, they're not. An Ohio State University study, conducted in 1971, debunked this myth. Researchers found the plant is not toxic, even in high doses.

Saving the plant for next season

In most areas of the county, poinsettia are considered houseplants. They cannot tolerate temperatures below 50-degrees. If you live in a warmer, more tropical climate, you can plant your poinsettia outside. But, experts agree, it is tough to get them to look as good as they do when you purchase at a garden center. They require very detailed growing conditions. "I am a poinsettia breeder, and I don't even try this at home," adds Siemonsma. "I just throw the plant away at the end of the season and buy new next year."

There really is something for everyone when it comes to poinsettia. "I love the really warm festive feeling you get from the bright beautiful poinsettias on dark December days," says Sirekit Mol, marketing manager and global head of product trade at Beekenkamp Plants. Which one will you choose to brighten your holidays? Visit https://ngb.org/ for some inspiration.

HOW TO INCLUDE BABY AT THE TABLE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

 

(Family Features) Your baby’s first holiday season is one to treasure. While you’re busy making memories, remember enjoying a meal together as a family is also a convenient and practical learning opportunity for your little one to explore the world of eating and solid foods.

Babies learn to eat new foods when they are exposed to them. They see their parents model healthy habits or having the opportunity to try new foods, including fruits and vegetables.

Fruit and veggie purees like Gerber 1st Foods and 2nd Foods purees help ensure babies experience a variety of flavors made from real, nutritious foods. The baby food line includes seasonal varieties such as butternut squash, pumpkin and sweet potato plus pear, blackberry orange, peas and apple zucchini spinach.

“I often see parents worried about their baby’s nutrition, especially during the busy holiday season,” pediatric dietitian Marina Chaparro said. “As a parent myself, I firmly believe in having convenient and practical options like packaged purees on hand that do not compromise on nutrition or taste. Options like Gerber's selection of vegetable, fruit and dinner purees conveniently expose babies to a variety of new flavors, including those that may be on the holiday table, but don’t include any added sweeteners babies don’t need in their diets at this stage in their development.”

Chaparro offers these tips to begin forming healthy eating habits and include your baby at the table this holiday season:

• Don't feel like you need to feed your baby separately. Instead, incorporate your baby in the holiday fun. If you’re visiting family, ask for a highchair or bring a portable one to ensure your baby is comfortable and safe.

• Stick to your usual feeding routine so your baby doesn’t get overly hungry or cranky. It’s OK if baby needs to eat before or after the main event; he or she can still be at the table with a nutritious snack or favorite toy. One option is Gerber Natural Whipped Banana Apple Blueberry Melts, which are made from 95% fruit, real egg whites and contain no added sugar.

• Rather than preparing a different holiday meal for your baby, head off the potential of a future picky eater by sharing the same meal everyone else enjoys. You can serve small portions of the same food finely chopped and safely prepared for baby or provide baby with premade food with traditional holiday flavors. Finely shredded turkey pieces and homemade mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes are perfect for babies who are picking up food and eating on their own. For younger eaters, look for developmentally appropriate purees that match what’s on the grownups’ table.

• Allow your baby to play with his or her food. Offer a silicone spoon and allow him or her to explore purees and get messy. Research from Cambridge University found allowing kids to use all their senses to explore foods may help reduce picky eating later. 

• Focus more on the experience and less on how much makes it in that little mouth. As parents, it can be difficult not to worry about how much food your baby eats. Instead, focus on providing nutrient-dense meals and a positive environment for your baby to enjoy and interact with the food.

Explore more tips for creating healthy eating habits this holiday season and beyond at Gerber.com.

Helping Baby Discover New Tastes

• When considering which to serve first – fruits or veggies – no hard rule applies, so do what feels right for you and your baby. Remember, it can take up to 10 tries with a new food before he or she decides to give it a go.
• If you’re using baby food packed in a pouch, be sure to squeeze it into a bowl or onto a spoon for feeding for babies under 1 year old.
• Growth spurts can influence hunger. Let your baby’s hunger and fullness cues guide how much he or she eats. Offer a wide variety of foods so he or she can experience different tastes and learn to accept new foods.

 

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (parent feeding baby)

 

SOURCE:
Gerber