Dr. Jim Faust tells interesting true poinsettia stories from their discovery to your own enjoyment at Christmas.

One story involves searching out wild poinsettias in the middle of two drug cartel controlled territories. Jim is a professor of Floriculture Physiology at Clemson University in South Carolina. He does research on greenhouse production of various flowering crops, teaches hydroponics, and greenhouse production courses.

He grew his first poinsettia crop in 1986.  This is Episode 191 - The Remarkable Journey of Poinsettias: From Mexican Forests to Christmas Icons" -  with Dr. Jim Faust and Encore Remix presentation on the Garden Question podcast.

Chapter Time Line

00:00 Introduction to The Garden Question Podcast

00:38 The Fascinating History of Poinsettias

01:15 Jim Faust's Poinsettia Stories

02:19 Joel Poinsett and the Early Days of Poinsettias

05:18 The Journey of Poinsettias to Europe

07:26 Shipping Plants in the 1800s

10:06 Poinsettias in the Late 1800s

12:14 The Evolution of Poinsettias in the 1900s

13:48 The Rise of Poinsettias as a Christmas Flower

15:28 Challenges and Innovations in Poinsettia Cultivation

22:31 Expanding the Poinsettia Market Beyond Christmas

24:57 The Science Behind Poinsettia Flowering

28:06 Home Care Tips for Poinsettias

30:21 The Development of Modern Poinsettia Varieties

34:38 Horticulturists' Excitement: Stealing Pollen

35:23 The Mystery of Free Branching Poinsettias

36:22 The Secret Grafting Technique

39:06 Scientific Discoveries and Phytoplasma

42:36 The Poinsettia Propagation Process

47:38 Challenges in Poinsettia Cultivation

49:57 Exploring Poinsettias in Their Native Habitat

55:13 Modern Breeding and Bio-Piracy Concerns

59:26 Consumer Tips for Selecting Poinsettias

01:02:04 Debunking Poinsettia Myths

01:03:23 Conclusion and Contact Information