Poinsettia Trials

Breeder:

Dummen Orange Ecke

Summary:

This is a new cultivar in the Autumn Leaves category. Gold Rush is quite similar to Autumn Leaves 2016 in habit and appearance, Gold Rush is even less vigorous. Gold Rush is also less pinkish with a stronger gold or yellow cast. 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.