Poinsettia Trials

Breeder:

Dummen Orange Ecke

Summary:

The original Autumn Leaves selection that growers evaluated for the past couple of years has been replaced by Autumn Leaves 2016, which has the same general growth habit and appearance. The difference is that Autumn Leaves 2016 has slightly more light pink flecking in the bracts. Temperature has a strong effect on bract coloration of this cultivar. At high temperatures, the pink and the yellow casts are muted, and the colors are more intense at cooler temperatures. Low temperatures can bring out more green in the transition bracts. This cultivar has small centers with unremarkable cyathia. This cultivar is very low vigor and finishes early to midseason. Thus, it is important to insure the plants have enough time from pinch to the start of short days to produce the size desired. This is especially important in cooler regions. In high temperature production, the stems can stretch and weaken, so small amounts of PGR are needed to create a stronger plant. Florida studies indicate it does not heat delay. It has good resistance to Botrytis and excellent postharvest durability. This cultivar is most useful in 6.5” and smaller containers. The early finish makes it useful for fall decorations and other markets where a red poinsettia is not desired.